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 distinguished 16-year career, representing Leicester Tigers, Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions. The former flanker won almost every possible trophy and played in some of the sport’s most important matches.
Lewis Moody was born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot. He started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He attended the prestigious Oakham rugby school. He joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker.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 represented the club 217 times, the most for a flanker, before spending his last two years at Bath. He made his England debut 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 played a key role 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 participated in the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.He won 71 matches with England, including two Six Nations titles, and the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches when England won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He captained England at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Gameplay Style
Moody became a fearless and uncompromising flanker, nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his commitment. His passion for the game was unmatched, as demonstrated by playing with a stress fracture in his leg. He never backed down from any challenge.
After the Retreat
After retiring in March 2012, Moody created the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that helps fight brain tumors. His legacy continues with his son Dylan, a promising goalkeeper.
About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Motor Neuron Disease causes progressive muscle weakness. There is no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms. Early symptoms include weakness in hands and legs. Other signs include problems with breathing, swallowing, and speech.
The diagnosis of ENM is made by neurologists, through blood tests, nerve tests and MRI scans. The disease affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any given time.
Statements by Lewis Moody
After revealing his diagnosis, Moody shared on social media: “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 huge shock for 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. 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.”
