Former England rugby international and 2003 World Cup winner, Lewis Moody, has publicly shared his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND), received last October. Speaking from his home near Bath, the 48-year-old described the challenging news with remarkable positivity, stating he views the experience as a 'gift and a privilege'. Moody, known as 'Mad Dog' during his playing career for Leicester and Bath, articulated that the diagnosis has provided a profound understanding of what truly matters in life.
Moody emphasised the importance of living in the present moment, a lesson he says MND has brought into sharp focus. He quoted, 'Yesterday is dead and tomorrow isn’t born; there is only now,' highlighting his intention to prioritise time with loved ones and engage in purposeful activities. This perspective has helped him navigate the initial shock and focus on practical steps, such as ensuring his family's financial security and planning how to share his news to create a positive impact.
Despite the severe nature of MND, which progressively affects the brain and nerves, Moody currently appears in good health. He recently returned from a family holiday in Cyprus, where he watched his eldest son, Dylan, play for England Under-18s. While he continues to exercise in the gym, he is advised to eat as much as possible, as weight loss is a common symptom of the condition. Moody noted that the disease's impact on him has so far been minimal, with only a slight diminishment in finger strength and a need to manage his energy levels more carefully.
The diagnosis followed a persistent, mild weakness in Moody's left shoulder which a physiotherapist was unable to resolve, leading to specialist referrals and nerve conduction studies that confirmed MND. Moody expressed no shock at the initial mention of the disease, suggesting an intuitive understanding of the seriousness of his symptoms.
Moody now sees himself as picking up the fundraising and awareness baton from other prominent figures in rugby who battled MND, such as the late Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow. Their public struggles and dedication to finding a cure have significantly elevated the profile of the disease, and Moody is determined to contribute to these ongoing efforts, leveraging his platform to support research and affected families.