The road ahead looks a lot longer than just 500 miles for former England Rugby captain Lewis Moody - it's a journey he'll be undertaking in more ways than one. Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last year, Moody is putting his pedal to the metal and embarking on an epic charity cycle ride across the UK to raise awareness and funds for MND research.
The 'Lewis Moody XV Challenge' has already got off to a flying start, with over a dozen rugby players, friends, and family members joining Moody on the gruelling route from Newcastle Red Bulls' stadium to Rugby HQ in Twickenham. Along the way, they'll be making stops at five of Moody's former professional clubs - Leicester Tigers, Bath, and three others - as well as other iconic venues that will test their endurance and team spirit.
But this is more than just a bike ride; it's a powerful statement of hope and defiance in the face of MND. Moody cites the inspirational efforts of campaigners like Doddie Weir and Kevin Sinfield, who are driving research forward and giving patients like him renewed optimism that a cure may one day be found.
The route will take them through some of England's most scenic countryside, but it's not just the miles that will be tough - Moody is also battling his own diagnosis. He's described his experience as "not pleasant", but he's approaching this new challenge with characteristic grit and positivity. The support from Newcastle and his former teammates has given him a massive boost, and he's buoyed by the presence of Doddie Weir's family at the start - Kathy and Hamish were there to wish him well.
As Moody sets off on this incredible journey, his team will be with him every pedal stroke of the way. They'll face some tough terrain and weather conditions, but they're also drawing strength from each other and the thousands of people who are cheering them on - like James Campbell from Newcastle, who's bravely battling MND himself.