Former England captain Lewis Moody announced his MND diagnosis. Image: Getty Images.
(The Post News)– Retired England rugby captain Lewis Moody (47), who claimed the 2003 World Cup, announced his diagnosis of motor neuron disease (MND) on Monday. Along with his wife, Annie, Moody revealed the illness in his interview with the BBC two weeks ago.
Several weeks ago, Moody began to detect long-term shoulder discomfort. A shoulder expert recommended an MRI when physiotherapy wasn’t enough to remedy the problem, and the results showed symptoms of MND, often known as ALS. Supposedly incurable, this degenerative disorder affects essential activities like respiration, speech, and movement and eventually affects muscles.
Moody Reveals Fear of Disclosing the News to His Family
Following the latest confirmation of his condition by medical professionals, Moody talked candidly about the psychological burden of telling the people he loves. Realizing how this condition hurt his loved ones was more difficult for him than dealing with it himself, he said, “It’s not me who I feel bad for… it’s misery for needing to disclose it to my mother and needing to tell my sons.”
It was quite tragic; as he knew how severely it might impact his loved ones, he called the incident one of the many agonizing moments of his life. The two boys of Moody and his spouse, Annie, are Ethan, 15, and Dylan, 17. He remembered how heartbreaking it was when they delivered the terrible news at home.
“The dog leaped over and began licking all the tears from our cheeks as we were sitting on the sofa in tears; Ethan and Dylan each snuggled up in each other’s arms.” He took solace in the family’s connection and encouragement, even through the tiniest acts, regardless of the agony.
Moody had a remarkable career, winning seven consecutive Premiership trophies with Leicester Tigers, three with the British and Irish Lions, and 71 matches for England. He was nicknamed on the field as “Mad Dog” due to his tireless determination and ruthless attacking. Despite the unexpected diagnosis, he is committed to managing the illness and hopes to eventually provide help for others going through similar struggles.
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