Former England captain Lewis Moody has revealed he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after a brilliant 16-year career, representing the Leicester Tigers, Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions.
The former flanker won almost all available trophies and participated in some of the most important matches in the sport.
Lewis Moody terminó su carrera como jugador con Bath.Lewis Moody was born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot and started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He attended the prestigious rugby school Oakham, where he initially played as a center and then as a defender.
He joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker.Lewis Moody celebra tras ganar la Copa Heineken 2001 con sus compañeros de Leicester.He quickly stood out at Leicester and became the youngest player to represent the club in the league in 1996, at 18 years and 94 days old, a record now held by Ben Youngs. He played 217 times for the club, the most for a flanker, before spending his last two years at Bath.
He debuted for England in 2001 against Canada and was an integral part of the World Cup-winning team in 2003. He also represented the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.Lewis Moody representó a los British and Irish Lions en tres ocasiones contra Nueva Zelanda.
Moody’s Achievements
Moody was at Leicester during their glory years and participated in seven Premiership victories, including four consecutive titles between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002.Lewis Moody celebra tras ganar la Copa del Mundo de Rugby 2003 con sus compañeros de Inglaterra.He won 71 caps for England, winning two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches as England made history by winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
In 2007, Moody once again stood out in England when they reached the final of the 2007 World Cup, and ended his career as England captain in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, before retiring a year later.Lewis Moody capitaneó a Inglaterra en la Copa del Mundo de Rugby 2011.
Moody’s Play Style
Nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his commitment to the club and country, Moody became an intrepid and uncompromising flanker. His passion for the game was unmatched.Lewis Moody muestra su valentía intentando un derribo contra Argentina en 2009.Moody never shied away from any challenge, as he demonstrated by being the first English player sent off at Twickenham after a fight with his Leicester teammate, Alesana Tuilagi.Lewis Moody se convirtió en el primer jugador inglés expulsado en Twickenham tras su pelea con Alesana Tuilagi en noviembre de 2005.
Life After Rugby
After retiring in March 2012, Moody created the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that helps fight brain tumors with research, support, and education. His legacy in the field continues with his son Dylan, a promising goalkeeper.Lewis Moody sostiene la Copa Web Ellis durante la reunión de la Copa del Mundo de Inglaterra 2003 en Twickenham.
What is the ENM?
Motor Neuron Disease causes muscle weakness that progressively worsens over time. There is currently no cure, but treatments can help manage the symptoms. The disease usually develops after the age of 50.
Initial symptoms include stiff or weak hands. Other signs include weak legs and feet. Advanced stages include breathing, swallowing, and speech problems. Approximately half of the people with ALS experience changes in their thinking and behavior.
Neurologists can diagnose MND after referral from a general practitioner. Tests that help diagnose MND include blood tests, nerve tests, and MRI scans. The symptoms of MND can progress at different rates, which can make diagnosis difficult.
The MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK at any one time. There are different forms of MND. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of MND. Bulbar-onset MND or progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) mainly affects the muscles of the face, throat and tongue.
Moody’s Declarations
On social media, Moody stated: “I am writing to share some difficult news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease.”
“This has been incredibly difficult to process and a big impact on me and my family. I feel fit and well and I am focusing on maintaining a positive attitude, living life and facing the changes that I will experience as they come.”
“My plan is to continue with this, but also to create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I will continue to embrace life and seize opportunities in the same way I always have.”
