Lewis Moody: English Rugby Legend Reveals ALS (MND) Diagnosis

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Former England captain Lewis Moody has revealed he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after an illustrious 16-year career, representing the Leicester Tigers, Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions. Throughout his career, the former flanker won almost every available trophy and participated in some of the sport’s most important matches.

A Look Back at Lewis Moody’s Career

Lewis Moody
Lewis Moody terminó su carrera como jugador con el equipo de Bath.
Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He studied at 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. 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. He represented the club 217 times before spending his last two years at Bath.
Lewis Moody
Lewis Moody celebra la victoria de la Copa Heineken de 2001 con sus compañeros de Leicester.
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
Lewis Moody representó a los British and Irish Lions en tres ocasiones contra Nueva Zelanda.

Lewis Moody’s Achievements

During his years at Leicester, Moody won seven Premiership titles, including four consecutive ones between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002. In addition, he participated in the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.
Lewis Moody
Lewis Moody celebra la victoria de la Copa del Mundo de Rugby 2003 con sus compañeros de Inglaterra.
With England, he earned 71 caps and won two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches of the historic 2003 Rugby World Cup. He was appointed MBE in 2004. In 2007, he played an important role in the English team that reached the final of the 2007 World Cup. He ended his career as England captain at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, before retiring a year later.
Lewis Moody
Lewis Moody fue capitán de Inglaterra en la Copa Mundial de Rugby de 2011.

Moody’s Play Style

Nicknamed “Mad Dog”, Moody was known for his bravery and commitment on the field. He played with a stress fracture in his leg and recovered quickly from an ankle injury. He was the first English player to be sent off at Twickenham.
Lewis Moody
Lewis Moody muestra su intrepidez al intentar un derribo contra Argentina en 2009.
Lewis Moody
Lewis Moody se convirtió en el primer jugador inglés en ser expulsado en Twickenham tras su pelea con Alesana Tuilagi en noviembre de 2005.

After his retirement

After retiring in March 2012, Moody created the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that supports research, support, and education on brain tumors. His son, Dylan, is a promising goalkeeper in the Southampton under-18s.
Lewis Moody
Lewis Moody sostiene la Copa Web Ellis durante la reunión de la Copa del Mundo de Inglaterra de 2003 en Twickenham.

What is the ENM?

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) causes progressive muscle weakness. Messages from motor neurons in the spine and brain stop reaching the muscles, causing weakness, stiffness, and wasting. There is currently no cure for MND, but treatments can help manage symptoms. The condition usually develops after the age of 50. Rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died after being diagnosed with the disease.

Symptoms of ME

  • Weakness or stiffness in hands.
  • Weakness in legs and feet.
  • Muscle spasms and cramps.
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, and speaking.
  • Changes in thinking and behavior.

Diagnosis of the NMD

Neurologists can diagnose ALS through tests such as blood tests, nerve tests, and MRIs. Symptoms can progress at different rates, making diagnosis difficult.

Types of ENM

There are different forms of MND, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form, which causes weakness and wasting in the limbs. Bulbar-onset MND or progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) primarily affects the muscles of the face, throat, and tongue. Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) are rare forms of MND.

Statements by Lewis Moody

On social media, Moody said: “I am sharing difficult news. I was recently diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease. This has been incredibly difficult to process and a huge shock for 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”.

Will continue to support his foundation and will seek opportunities to support a cause closer to his current situation.
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