Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) last September, has announced an ambitious 500-mile cycling challenge to raise funds and awareness for research into the condition. The seven-day ride will see Moody joined by several of his 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning teammates, creating a powerful reunion for a critical cause.
Moody, 47, described feeling as though he has been "brought off the bench" in the fight against MND. "I feel that I am being brought off the bench to take that baton forward and trying to get this job done," he stated. "Whether that is in my lifetime or not, I very much intend to give my energy and time to a cause that's worthwhile and one I genuinely believe will produce outcomes."
The journey will begin in Newcastle and conclude at Twickenham Stadium on June 20, where the peloton will deliver the match ball for the Premiership final. The effort supports the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, established by late Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir, who died from MND in 2022. The foundation has raised over £23.5 million for research into the degenerative illness, which affects six new people in the UK each day.
Moody's recruitment drive proved remarkably successful. Joining him will be rugby icons including Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall, Martin Corry, Ben Kay, Phil Vickery, and Andy Gomarsall—all veterans of England's historic 2003 World Cup triumph. The support extends beyond that squad, with former club teammates like Tom Croft, Geordan Murphy, Ben Youngs, Danny Care, and others also committing to the ride. Moody's teenage sons, Dylan and Ethan, will complete the family participation.
Reflecting on his personal journey with MND, Moody shared that his symptoms have progressed gradually since his diagnosis, which followed a noticed weakness in his shoulder during gym training. "I'm good at the moment," he said. "The only sort of significant noticeable change is still in my hand. The shoulder strength is diminished, but not significantly reduced since diagnosis."
He acknowledged the psychological challenges, noting, "Without a shadow of a doubt, the hardest thing is noticing little things every day... Those little things mentally are a challenge when they present themselves, but I think within a day you can move past it and just focus on functional things I can do."
Moody is no stranger to philanthropy, having established his own charitable foundation after retirement, which raised millions for brain tumour research. He now channels that experience into the battle against MND, uniting his rugby community in a poignant demonstration of solidarity and hope.