Rugby Community Rallies Around Lewis Moody Following MND Diagnosis


When the news broke that Lewis Moody, a former England captain, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), the rugby community didn't hesitate to show their love and support. Will Greenwood, a teammate and fellow Rugby World Cup winner, chimed in about Moody's mental strength. He knows Moody will take on this disease and give it his all.

Moody, who's 47, got his diagnosis a few weeks back. He admitted on BBC Breakfast that it's been tough trying to wrap his head around everything. He's in the process of planning. How much can his body physically handle? What kind of care does he need?

Greenwood poured out his heart on BBC Radio 5 Live. We all think the world of him, it’s simple, he said. He's such a genuinely good person, and we care about him so much. He’s staying positive, which is exactly like Moody. He never backed down on the field. He's taking that same attitude into this. Moody intends to do everything in his power to fight it.

Voices of Support Flood In

Lots of names in and out of rugby have been speaking up to cheer Moody on:
  • Ed Slater, previously playing for Gloucester and Leicester before an MND diagnosis in 2022, was crushed to hear about Moody. He's urging fans to donate to a fundraiser that's been made for him. The funds will assist Moody in getting the very best resources.
  • Chris Ashton, another former England player, called Moody a real leader, saying how much he admired Moody of his heart and energy. He considered Moody to be his hero.
  • Danny Care, a former England scrumhalf, remembered how Moody took him under his wing when he was beginning his career. He promised to be there for anything he needs. He promised to do what he had to in order to aid Moody during this period
  • Ugo Monye, a former England player, noted that Moody, despite his toughness on the field, is a kind and caring person away. He has a good spirit and is great to be around.
  • Kevin Sinfield, got rewarded an CBE because of his work fundraising for the MND Society, will offer assistance. He'll keep pushing for MND awareness and fundraising for research. There are hopes that awareness will increase which will in return help the program.
  • Andrea Pinchen, the chief executive at Leicester Tigers, thought back on Moody's brilliant career, looking at his contribution to their club and warm personality:
  • Lewis is the kind of guy who leads by example. He wouldn't ask someone to do something he wouldn't do by himself, she said. He will never show scare and is a role model for the team, both on & off the field.

Leicester City Football Club called Moody one of the greatest in the city, which people were fond of.

Rugby Union and National Recognition

Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU, spoke about Moody's impact:

Lewis was a great example of an English player as well as Leicester Tigers & Bath Rugby. We’ll support the Moody family however we can, practically and emotionally. Folks are getting things rolling to assist in fundraising efforts. There is no donation that is too small.

Understanding MND

MND messes with the nerves, attacking the motor neurons in the brain and spine. Since these neurons send signals to your muscles, when they stop working, you get:
  • Weak muscles that shrink
  • Loss of movement
  • Trouble talking, walking, and breathing
It often shows up in people over 50, but anyone can get it.. How long people live can be very different. Unfortunately, half of the persons diagnosed with MND pass away within 24 months. However, some people, Stephen Hawking, ended up living for many years since he had a slower version of the condition.

Research says that former rugby players might have a higher chance of getting MND. Some say the chances are 15 times higher than average. There could also be a greater risk of getting dementia and Parkinson's. Theories say that head injuries may be connected, but there's no firm proof. More research will show what's up biologically, so everyone has their chances of having it.

In conclusion

The rugby union has rallied behind Lewis Moody, celebrating both his career as a great player, and also a genuine person. His former colleagues, friends, and organizations have publicly backed his fight against MND.

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