Lewis Moody Embarks on 500-Mile Cycling Challenge to Fight Motor Neurone Disease
The former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has declared he is "picking up the baton" left by the late Doddie Weir, as he unveils ambitious plans to lead a grueling 500-mile cycling expedition over seven days this summer. The initiative aims to generate crucial funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research, a cause that has become deeply personal for Moody following his own diagnosis last October.
Rugby Legends Unite for a Noble Cause
Moody will be accompanied by a star-studded roster of his fellow 2003 World Cup champions, including the iconic Jonny Wilkinson, the tenacious Mike Tindall, and the formidable Ben Kay. Adding a poignant family dimension, his teenage sons will also join the arduous journey, which commences in Newcastle and culminates at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. Every single penny raised will be directed to the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, an organization that has already amassed over £23.5 million to combat this devastating illness.
The cycling challenge, aptly named the Lewis XV's ride, is scheduled to begin on Sunday, 14 June, in Newcastle—the most northerly Premiership club, where Doddie Weir dedicated seven years of his career. The route will then weave through Moody's former clubs in Leicester, Bath, and Bracknell, before a triumphant finish at Twickenham on Saturday, 20 June. There, Moody will have the honor of delivering the match ball for the Premiership final, a symbolic gesture linking his past glories to his present mission.
A Legacy of Resilience and Hope
Moody's diagnosis places him among a growing number of retired rugby players afflicted by MND, a disease that has tragically claimed the lives of Doddie Weir and rugby league hero Rob Burrow within the past four years. With approximately six new diagnoses emerging each day in the UK alone, the urgency for research and treatment has never been more critical.
"I'm really proud to be aligning my name with Doddie, who was a force of nature as a character," Moody expressed with heartfelt conviction. "I feel like in many ways I'm being brought off the bench to take that baton forward and to try and get this job done. That's an easy thing to say, but a very difficult thing to achieve. Whether it's in my lifetime or not, I intend to give my energy and time to a cause that will produce outcomes."
He further highlighted the advancements in medical research, noting, "When I speak to specialists there's a lot of hope and developments in fighting this disease. I don't know if that would have been the case when those guys were diagnosed."
Healthy Competition and Personal Resolve
With more than a dozen former internationals confirmed for the ride, Moody anticipates some spirited rivalry among the participants. He singled out Mike Tindall as the rider to watch, remarking, "'Tins' is surprisingly fit still. He will 100% be up there. I quite like the idea that there will be enough competition to get us through it. I'm sure there will be stints where people decide they need to put the hammer down and blow off some steam."
Regarding Jonny Wilkinson's cycling prowess, Moody added with a touch of humor, "I've never seen Wilco on a bike, so he's probably hired a group of people to get him ready! I dread to think how he's going to turn up looking. Is there a bike strong enough to withstand the power that he can put through it?"
A Positive Outlook Amidst Adversity
Six months after his shocking diagnosis, Moody remains in a remarkably positive mindset. The meticulous planning and rigorous training for the cycling challenge have provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and focus.
"I'm good at the moment," he shared. "The only noticeable change is in my hand. The other day I noticed a slight difference in my finger strength, opening a bottle top, holding a fork, cutting food. Those little things are a challenge mentally when they present themselves, but within a day you can move past it."
He reflected on his situation with profound clarity, stating, "I don't want to be in this position, of course, but it does sometimes feel like a strange privilege. I've been given the opportunity to have a really clear vision of what I want to do with my time now. And that is to spend it with the people I love. And doing the things I love, and doing it with purpose. Being a part of this campaign gives me more purpose than anything. It brings a smile to my face."
This inspiring endeavor not only honors the legacy of Doddie Weir but also galvanizes the rugby community and beyond in the relentless fight against motor neurone disease. Through sheer determination and collective effort, Lewis Moody and his team are pedaling towards hope, one mile at a time.
