Lewis Moody, English rugby legend, reveals ALS (MND) diagnosis

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 an illustrious 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 played in some of the most important matches in this sport.

Lewis Moody’s Journey

Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He studied at Oakham, a prestigious rugby school. Initially, he played as a center and then as a fullback. He joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker.

He quickly stood out at Leicester, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in the league in 1996, at 18 years and 94 days old. He played 217 matches 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 fundamental in the 2003 World Cup victory. He also represented the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

Moody’s Achievements

During his time at Leicester, Moody participated in seven Premiership victories, including four consecutive titles between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002. In addition, he was on the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.

With England, he won 71 caps and two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches of England’s historic victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He was appointed MBE in 2004. He participated in all three matches of the 2005 Lions series in New Zealand. In 2007, Moody was key to England reaching the World Cup final, and he ended his career as England captain at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, before retiring from the game a year later.

Moody’s Play Style

He debuted at 18 against Orrell. In a 2002 interview, Moody described his debut as “terrifying”.

Moody became a fearless and uncompromising flanker, nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his commitment to the club and country. He played with a stress fracture in his leg and recovered quickly from a broken ankle, playing the full 80 minutes in his first game back three months later. He became the first English player to be sent off at Twickenham after a fight with his teammate Alesana Tuilagi.

After the Withdrawal

After retiring in March 2012, Moody created the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that supports research, support, and education to combat brain tumors. His son Dylan is a promising goalkeeper in the Southampton under-18s.

What is the ENM?

Motor Neuron Disease causes muscle weakness that progressively worsens over time. Messages from motor neurons in the spine and brain stop reaching the muscles, causing them to weaken, become stiff, and atrophy. There is currently no cure for ALS, but treatments can help manage symptoms for as long as possible. The condition usually develops after the age of 50. People with ALS have a reduced life expectancy. Other rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have passed away after being diagnosed with the disease in recent years.

Symptoms of ME

The first symptoms include stiff or weak hands. Other signs include weak legs and feet. They may also experience painful muscle spasms or cramps. Later signs of ALS include problems breathing, swallowing, and speaking. Approximately half of people with ME/CFS experience changes in their thinking and behavior.

Diagnosis of the NMD

Neurologists can diagnose MND after a patient is referred by their GP. 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.

Prevalence and Types of ENM

The MND affects around 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. Overall, there is a 1 in 300 risk of contracting MND over a person’s lifetime. Different forms of MND affect people in different ways. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of MND, which causes weakness and wasting in the limbs, muscle stiffness and cramps. The first symptoms usually include stumbling or dropping objects. Bulbar-onset ALS or progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) primarily affects the muscles of the face, throat, and tongue, and the first signs include difficulty speaking or swallowing. Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) affects fewer people, while primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare form of ALS.

Statements by Lewis Moody

After revealing his diagnosis, Moody said on social media:

I am writing to share difficult news.

Lewis Moody

“I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

This has been incredibly difficult to process and a big impact on me and my family. I feel fit and well and I am focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come.

Lewis Moody

“I have the support of my family, friends, and medical professionals.

Since I retired from the sport I love and along with my wife Annie, I have been able to dedicate a large part of the last 12 years to raising funds for the Lewis Moody Foundation in support of people affected by brain tumors. 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 take advantage of opportunities in the same way I always have.

Lewis Moody