Moody Moved by Support After MND Diagnosis
Former England captain Lewis Moody expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND). The 2003 World Cup winner disclosed last month that he has this incurable muscle-wasting condition, which also tragically affected rugby players Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Joost van der Westhuizen.
Moody received a warm reception at Allianz Stadium when he carried the match ball onto the pitch before England's Test match against Australia. Additionally, a GoFundMe page was created to aid Moody and his family during this challenging time.
"It's been wonderful in the sense of the outpouring of love and support, which has just been constant," Moody told BBC Breakfast. "It's been slightly overwhelming at times, but it all comes from such a beautiful and wonderful place."
"It's been a strange time, but for me and my family, we've just felt that warm embrace of everyone coming around us and supporting us," Moody added. "My background is in rugby and people talk about that community, but the MND community that I'm now a part of has just really embraced us and we feel really lucky as a family to be a part of it."
Additional Context
- Lewis Moody is a former Leicester flanker and England rugby captain.
- No proven link exists between rugby and MND, according to experts after Moody's diagnosis.
Author's summary: Lewis Moody, diagnosed with MND, has been deeply touched by the overwhelming support from both the rugby and MND communities, highlighting their strong embrace during his difficult journey.