Support has poured in for Lewis Moody from rugby fans after the former England captain revealed he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Moody, who helped England win the Rugby World Cup in 2003, was diagnosed with MND two weeks ago and went public with the news on Monday.
In an emotional interview alongside his wife, Annie, the 47-year-old conceded he cannot yet face the reality of the condition that killed fellow rugby players Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir.
While athletes appear to be disproportionately likely to contract MND, the exact cause for this remains unkown, while there is still no cure for the condition which affects about 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.
Moody, who retired from rugby in 2012, was nicknamed ‘Mad Dog’ due to his enthusiasm for the game and relentless style of play.
The flanker earned 71 caps during his decade-long international career, helping England win the Rugby World Cup in 2003 as well as three Six Nations titles.
At club level, Moody was also hugely successful, winning seven Premiership titles with boyhood club Leicester Tigers before finishing his career at Bath.
And Metro readers far and wide have sent in their messages of support as well as their faourites memories of the England rugby legend after his devastating diagnosis.
‘Such sad news. Lewis is a sporting god. I’m sure he will get all the support and love he deserves,’ Cheryl Mason said.
Pam Bird added: ‘So sorry to hear this cruel news. I remember seeing Lewis on his 1st run out for the Tigers and my God he was awesome, the determination in him was immense.
‘Always full on like every time he played. A truly strong character. This is not going to be a easy time and I send best wishes for you and your family. Stay strong.’
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Meanwhile, Tim Carter, a Bath supporter, where Moody ended his club career, wrote: ‘So very sad to hear the news. He knew no fear as a player and now needs that same bravery as he faces the future.
‘As a Bath supporter it was great to see him in the blue black and white if only for a couple of seasons.’
Sending his support, James Greenwood said: ‘Good luck, Lewis. Everyone in Rugby League and the Rugby Community in general is right behind you at this difficult time. Meet it head on like you did on the field and you’ll be an inspiration to many.
What is MND?
Motor neurone disease (MND) causes muscle weakness which progressively gets worse over months or years.
Messages from motor neurones in the spine and brain gradually stop reaching muscles, which causes them to weaken, stiffen and waste.
Tragically, there is currently no cure for MND, but there are various treatments that can help manage symptoms for as long as possible.
The condition usually, but not always, develops over the age of 50.
Individuals with MND have a reduced life expectancy, but life expectancy can vary depending on which form of MND has been diagnosed.
‘I visited the Rob Burrow MND Centre in Leeds on Saturday and it’s coming along nicely. It’s gonna be amazing and a great benefit to the MND Community.’
Guy Arbury echoed those feelings, writing: ‘So tragic. A wonderful rugby player who made all of England proud . Let’s pray that one day a cure is found for this insidious disease. Lewis will never give up, It’s not in his nature.’
And Louise Mcphee added: ‘My favourite rugby player. Absolutely heartbroken for him and his family. Such a brave and dignified interview. My prayers for strength and guidance and a miracle cure for this devastating disease.’
‘The most wonderful human’ – Former teammates rally around Moody
Former England and Leicester teammates lead the way with their support after the announcement, with Will Greenwood describing Moody as ‘one of the good guys’.
‘He is the most wonderful human that we love to his very core,’ Greenwood, told BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘It is just tragic news, because he is one of the great guys. And I know there is no order to this stuff – how you leave this planet – but you root for the good guys.
‘There is not a nasty bone in his body, he is the most optimistic human you can hope to find… and then he had an ability on the pitch to just turn a switch and be the most ferocious competitor. He will fight this with every ounce of his strength.’
Danny Care, meanwhile, who played scrum-half for England during Moody’s tenure as captain said told Rugby Union Weekly: ‘It hit me hard today. We have seen with Doddie and with Rob and Ed Slater what this horrible disease does to people. I think that is what scares you the most.
‘”I will never forget my first time in the England camp. Moody put his arm around me straight away and said ‘I will look after you. If there’s any trouble – come to me.’
‘We are all hurting for him but we are all here for him.’
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