Former England captain Lewis Moody revealed on Monday that 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, during which he represented 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 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.
He joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker. He quickly stood out 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.
Moody played 217 matches for the Leicester Tigers before spending his final 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.
Moody’s Achievements
Moody won seven Premiership titles with Leicester, including four consecutive ones between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002. In addition, he was part of the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.With England, he won 71 matches and two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches of the 2003 World Cup and was named MBE in 2004.
He participated in all three matches of the 2005 Lions series in New Zealand. In 2007, he was a key part of the English team that reached the World Cup final. He ended his career as England captain at the 2011 World Cup.
Moody’s Gameplay
Nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his commitment, Moody was known for his bravery and dedication on the field. His passion for the game was unmatched. He recovered quickly from a serious ankle injury, playing the full 80 minutes in his first game back just three months later.Moody was the first English player sent off at Twickenham after a fight with Alesana Tuilagi.
After the Withdrawal
After retiring in March 2012, Moody created the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity supporting research, support, and education on brain tumors.His son, Dylan, is a promising goalkeeper in Southampton’s under-18 team and has represented England under-18.
What is the ENM?
Motor Neuron Disease causes muscle weakness that progressively worsens. Messages from motor neurons in the spine and brain stop reaching the muscles, causing them to weaken, become rigid, and atrophy.
There is currently no cure for ALS, but treatments can help control symptoms. The condition usually develops after the age of 50. People with ALS have a reduced life expectancy.
In recent years, other rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have passed away after being diagnosed with the disease.
Symptoms
The first symptoms include stiff or weak hands. Other signs include weak legs and feet, which can cause problems with tripping, lifting the feet, or climbing stairs. There may also be muscle spasms or cramps. Later, breathing, swallowing, and speech problems may occur.
Approximately half of people with ME/CFS experience changes in their thinking and behavior.
Diagnosis
Neurologists often diagnose MND after a patient is referred by their general practitioner. Tests include blood tests, nerve tests, and MRIs.
The symptoms of ME/CFS can progress at different speeds, making diagnosis difficult.
Impact of the ENM
The CJD affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. There is a one in 300 risk of contracting the disease over a lifetime.
There are different forms of MND. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common, causing weakness and wasting in the limbs, muscle stiffness, and cramps. Bulbar-onset MND or progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) primarily affects the muscles of the face, throat, and tongue. Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) affects fewer people, while primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare form of MND.
Moody’s Statements
In his social media statements, Moody shared the news: “I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease.”
“This has been incredibly difficult to process and a huge shock to me and my family. I feel fit and well and am focusing on staying positive, living life, and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come.”
“I will 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.”
