Lewis Moody has shared a candid health update following his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis. The former England rugby captain, 47, revealed in October last year that he had been diagnosed with MND after noticing weakness in his shoulder while exercising in the gym.
The disease affects motor nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, stiffness, and paralysis. It progressively affects a person's ability to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe. While treatment can slow the progress of the disease, there is currently no cure.
Charity bike ride for MND research
In hopes of raising money for MND research, Moody is taking on a 500-mile charity cycle challenge alongside Kathy Weir, wife of the late Scottish legend Doddie Weir, and their oldest son, Hamish Weir. Doddie was diagnosed with MND in 2016 and later launched the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation in 2017. Since then, the charity has contributed more than £23.5 million to research into effective treatments and a cure for the disease.
Appearing on Wednesday's episode of BBC Breakfast alongside Hamish, Moody spoke to hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay about his journey.
A message of hope
"For me, I feel like I have arrived in this MND space in a much more hopeful one than maybe Doddie because of the amazing work Doddie did," Moody said. "Although the diagnosis is a horrible thing to hear, when you start speaking to the experts, they start whispering hope and that there is something around the corner."
He continued: "For me, hope is great, but actually, how do we move from hope? Hope is one thing, but it doesn't produce outcomes for the sick people diagnosed with MND. It's about moving from hope to action. MND isn't incurable, it's just underfunded."
Giving an update on his health, Moody admitted he is in a "good state," but it has not been "easy."
"I'm still in a good state, progression has been slow. There are little things you notice in the hand, so my progression started on my shoulder and continued in my arm, but it hasn't affected me enough that I've had to change anything at the moment," he explained.
"I've always been positive, I've always been upbeat, and I'll remain so as the changes happen. I suppose me and the family will adapt. It's not easy, but if you approach with the right mindset, it remains easier. I can only tell you now that I'm in a good spot and I'm looking forward to the bike ride. I hope that I can get through every single mile - I don't know if I will, but the intent is there. I couldn't be more proud doing this with such incredible people."
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
