East England rugby Captain and 2003 World Cup winner, Lewis Moody, has revealed that he has revealed Motor neurone disease (MND).
The 47 -year -old won several titles with Lester and England during his 16 -year -old game career, but admitted that he could not ‘face full implications’ of being MND yet.
Fellow rugby players Doddi Veer and Rob Bur were suffering from the disease that damages motor neurons and causes muscle weakness and ruin. Currently there is no cure, although treatment can slow down the disease programs.
Moody revealed that he learned about the disease after finding weaknesses in his shoulder during a training session in the gym.
He told the BBC breakfast, “There is something about seeing the future on the face and really don’t want to process in that minute.”
“You have been given this diagnosis of MND and we are quite emotional about it, but it is very strange because I think nothing is wrong,
“I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell” My symptoms are very minor. I have ruin the muscles in my hands and shoulders.
“I am still able to do anything and everything. And hopefully it will continue as long as possible.”
Moody, who has moved into high performance coaching since retiring from playing in 2012, also issued a statement to how he and his family would deal with diagnosis.
It reads: “I am writing to share some difficult news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
“It has been incredibly difficult to give a big blow and a big blow to me and my family. I feel fit and well in myself and I focus on living positive, living and dealing with changes that I will experience.
“I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals and I am really grateful to those who helped in the research of progress to support others like me, to support others, living with this disease.
“Ever since I love the game, and with my wife Annie, I have been able to dedicate a lot for the Louis Moody Foundation in support of people affected by brain tumors for the last 12 years.
“My plan is to continue with it, but also have to make an opportunity to support a charity close to my current situation. I will be very grateful to you and will be ready to share more, once I see what it looks like, I get clear.
“For now, please know that I feel your love and support; I only ask that I have been given some space to navigate with my wife and sons, and who are closest to us – but without any doubt, I will continue to embrace life and understand the opportunities in the same way that I am always.”
Moody performed 223 for Leicester Tigers from 1996 to 2010, winning two Henecane (European) cups and seven league titles. He then joined the bath, where he had 34 demonstrations from 2010 to 2012. He was awarded the MBE for Services for Rugby in 2004 after the victory of England’s Rugby World Cup.
Together with his wife, Anne, Moody has picked up more than £ 2m for brain tumor research, which provides assistance and care to children and adults affected by the largest cancer killer for less than the 40s.
Moody admitted that it was the most difficult task to tell her family.
“It’s never me that I feel sad for it,” he said. “This is sad to tell my mother – only as a child – and the implications for him.”
To tell his two teenage sons, Dylan (17) and Ethan (15) about the diagnosis, he said: “This was the most difficult task that I had to do anytime.
“They are two great boys and it was very heartbreaking. We were sitting on the couch in tears, both Ethan and Dylan were wrapped in each other, then the dog jumped and started licking tears from our face, which was rather foolish.”
Bill Sweeni, CEO of Rugby Football Union, said: “We are all deeply saddened and distressed to know that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease.
“Lewis represented England, British and Irish Lions and his clubs Lecester Tigers and Bath Rugby, with both talent and distinction – one of the most difficult and most fearless players, who earn honors, opponents, and supporters of the team, and supporters, to donate a Backer shirt in sports.
“His contribution to rugby, both on and out, reflects the values of our game best.
“Our views are at this very difficult time with Lewis and his family and friends because they come with this diagnosis and I know the entire rugby community stands with them and will support them.
“Whatever we need and appropriate, the Moody is ready to provide practical and emotional support to the family; and we encourage people to show our support through money raising initiatives and are now available. Fund me,