Previous England Rugby Leader Announces Motor Neurone Disease Diagnosis

Previous England captain Lewis Moody has announced he has been identified with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet face the full consequences of the muscle-degenerating condition that ended the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.

The 47-year-old, who was part of the World Cup champion 2003 side and won numerous English and European titles with Leicester, appeared on BBC Breakfast a fortnight after discovering he has the illness.

"There's an element of looking the future in the face and not wanting to completely absorb that at the present time," he commented.

"It isn't that I don't understand where it's heading. We understand that. But there is absolutely a unwillingness to face what's ahead for now."

Moody, talking together with his wife Annie, states conversely he feels "peaceful" as he concentrates on his immediate wellbeing, his family and making preparations for when the illness deteriorates.

"Perhaps that's surprise or perhaps I process things uniquely, and when I have the details, it's more manageable," he continued.

Early Symptoms

Moody found out he had MND after observing some lack of strength in his shoulder area while exercising in the gym.

After physical therapy was ineffective for the issue, a number of scans revealed nerve cells in his neurological system had been damaged by MND.

"You receive this condition identification of MND and we're understandably extremely moved about it, but it's so strange because I sense that I'm perfectly healthy," he added.

"I don't experience sick. I don't sense sick

"My indications are quite slight. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand area and the shoulder region.

"I remain competent to performing all activities. And hopefully that will carry on for as long as is feasible."

Illness Development

MND can progress swiftly.

As per the organization MND Association, the illness kills a one-third of people within a twelve months and more than half within 730 days of detection, as eating and inhalation become harder.

Treatment can only retard worsening.

"It's never me that I feel sad for," added an emotional Moody.

"It's about the sadness around having to break the news to my mum - as an sole offspring - and the implications that has for her."

Household Impact

Talking from the residence with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was overwhelmed by sentiment when he discussed informing his sons - 17-year Dylan and 15-year Ethan - the devastating news, saying: "That represented the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."

"They're two excellent boys and that was rather upsetting," Moody said.

"We were seated on the couch in weeping, Ethan and Dylan both hugging in each other, then the dog bounded over and began cleaning the drops off our faces, which was somewhat silly."

Moody explained the focus was remaining in the now.

"There exists no treatment and that is why you have to be extremely intensely focused on just accepting and appreciating each moment now," he commented.

"According to Annie, we've been very blessed that the sole choice I made when I concluded playing was to spend as much period with the kids as possible. We don't get those times back."

Athlete Connection

Elite competitors are excessively impacted by MND, with investigations suggesting the rate of the illness is up to sixfold higher than in the general population.

It is considered that by limiting the air obtainable and creating harm to neural pathways, regular, intense exercise can activate the condition in those already predisposed.

Athletic Playing Days

Moody, who gained 71 England selections and competed with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was called 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in honour of his fearless, relentless style to the game.

He played through a fracture of his leg for a duration with Leicester and once initiated a practice confrontation with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, irritated, he abandoned a training equipment and started participating in physical contacts.

After appearing as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he claimed a ball at the end of the set piece in the crucial moment of play, creating a foundation for half-back Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the game-deciding field goal.

Support System

Moody has earlier informed Johnson, who captained England to that victory, and a handful of other ex- players about his medical situation, but the rest will be learning his news with the broader public.

"There will be a period when we'll need to lean on their support but, at the minute, just having that kind of love and recognition that people are present is all that matters," he said.

"This game is such a excellent family.

"I told to the kids the other day, I've had an amazing life.

"Even should it concluded now, I've valued all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.

"Being able to call your passion your vocation, it's one of the most important privileges.

"Having accomplished it for so extended a time with the squads that I did it with was a joy. And I know they will wish to assist in any way they can and I look forward to having those talks."