Lewis Moody’s devastating MND diagnosis at 47 as heartbroken family left in tears
Former England captain Lewis Moody has revealed he's been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), and the rugby world has rallied around the 2003 World Cup-winner
Former England skipper Lewis Moody will take centre stage at Twickenham on Saturday when he delivers the match ball. The Red Rose icon will make his appearance before England's autumn international curtain-raiser against Australia, having recently disclosed his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis.
The rugby community was stunned when Moody, who won 71 England caps, shared his diagnosis on social media. He subsequently joined BBC Breakfast with his wife, Annie, discussing in depth how the revelation came as such a bombshell, especially given how healthy he feels despite this life-altering news.
"You're given this diagnosis of MND and we're rightly quite emotional about it, but it's so strange because I feel like nothing's wrong," the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winner told presenter Sally Nugent. "I don't feel ill. I don't feel unwell.
"My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder. I'm still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible."
The 47-year-old has discussed how he initially detected something wasn't quite right while training at the gym. The Leicester Tigers legend pursued further medical advice after discovering weakness in one shoulder.
READ MORE: Lewis Moody to make emotional Twickenham appearance before England vs AustraliaREAD MORE: Lewis Moody leaves former team-mate in tears with touching speech after MND diagnosis"I had an MRI, neck scan and all that type of stuff," he explained to Nugent. "Very quickly, when the scans came back, it became clear that it wasn't anything to do with the neck, despite all the years of throwing myself into contact on the rugby pitch.
"He then sent me straight to the neurologist and off the back of the MRI, he actually had a phone call with me where I sensed he was preparing me for the worst, which was quite difficult."
Saturday's clash between England and Australia will help generate funds for the Moody family as he commences his treatment. Spectators and television viewers will be urged to contribute to the GoFundMe page established for the family by Lewis' friends Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd.
Those aren't the only colleagues clearly moved by news of Moody's diagnosis. Fellow 2003 World Cup winner Phil Vickery became emotional while discussing his former team-mate on the Stick to Rugby podcast.
"You just can't describe it, really," he said. "I think we're all ultra sensitive as well, in rugby, with [ex-Leicester and Gloucester forward] Ed Slater, Doddie [Weir], Rob Burrow and [late England international] Paul Rendall. When I spoke to him last week and he told me, I just couldn't believe it.
"The frustration of it always is, particularly for Lewis, I can honestly say I don't know another kinder, generous, honest, loving human being than that. Why, why, why him?"
The tributes have continued after Moody disclosed the overwhelming support he's received following his diagnosis. Another who displayed his emotions was former England team-mate, skipper and coach Martin Johnson, who wept as Moody recently spoke to supporters at Welford Road, home of his cherished Tigers.
Moody also shared his intentions to focus on charitable work in the near future. Responding to a question about Johnson shedding tears during his speech, Moody quipped: "He must have had a dodgy drink."
The Rugby Autumn Nations Series gets underway on November 1 with Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland among the teams in action. Fans can watch every game on the TNT Sports Prime Video channel.