Former England captain Lewis Moody has revealed he has been found to have motor neurone disease and admitted he cannot yet confront the full implications of the muscle-deteriorating condition that claimed the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old, who was part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and lifted multiple English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast two weeks after finding out he has the illness.
"There's an element of looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute," he stated.
"This doesn't mean I don't understand where it's going. We comprehend that. But there is certainly a hesitation to confront the future for now."
Moody, talking with his wife Annie, states instead he feels "at ease" as he directs his attention to his immediate wellbeing, his family and planning ahead for when the illness deteriorates.
"Possibly that's surprise or possibly I handle situations uniquely, and when I have the information, it's simpler," he continued.
Early Symptoms
Moody learned he had MND after observing some weakness in his shoulder while working out in the gym.
After physical therapy didn't help the issue, a set of scans revealed neural pathways in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.
"You're presented with this condition identification of MND and we're rightly quite moved about it, but it's rather peculiar because I sense that everything is fine," he added.
"I don't sense sick. I don't feel poorly
"The signs I have are rather minimal. I have a small amount of muscle deterioration in the hand and the upper arm.
"I'm still able to accomplishing all activities. And hopefully that will persist for as long as is possible."
Disease Development
MND can develop swiftly.
According to the charity MND Association, the disease claims a 33% of people within a 365 days and more than half within 24 months of identification, as swallowing and breathing become more difficult.
Therapy can only slow decline.
"It's not me that I am upset for," commented an moved Moody.
"It's the sadness around having to tell my mum - as an only child - and the implications that has for her."
Family Impact
Conversing from the residence with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was consumed with sentiment when he mentioned telling his sons - 17-year Dylan and 15-year Ethan - the traumatic news, saying: "That represented the hardest thing I've ever had to do."
"They are two brilliant boys and that was pretty heartbreaking," Moody said.
"We positioned ourselves on the settee in weeping, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog leapt across and began cleaning the moisture off our faces, which was somewhat amusing."
Moody stated the emphasis was being in the moment.
"There is no treatment and that is why you have to be extremely intensely directed on just accepting and appreciating all aspects now," he said.
"According to Annie, we've been very fortunate that the only real decision I made when I left playing was to devote as much period with the kids as feasible. We won't recover those periods back."
Sportsman Link
Elite athletes are unevenly affected by MND, with studies suggesting the prevalence of the illness is up to 600% greater than in the wider community.
It is considered that by restricting the air available and causing harm to nerve cells, consistent, intense exercise can trigger the illness in those previously vulnerable.
Athletic Career
Moody, who won 71 England selections and competed with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his professional days, in acknowledgment of his fearless, unwavering approach to the game.
He played through a stress fracture of his leg for a duration with Leicester and once caused a training-ground altercation with fellow player and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he discarded a tackle pad and commenced participating in physical contacts.
After appearing as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the end of the set piece in the critical passage of play, setting a foundation for playmaker Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the victory-securing drop kick.
Support Community
Moody has previously notified Johnson, who led England to that championship, and a handful of other former players about his condition, but the others will be finding out his news with the remainder of public.
"There will be a time when we'll need to lean on their backing but, at the minute, just having that sort of care and acknowledgment that people are present is all that matters," he stated.
"Rugby is such a wonderful community.
"I said to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even when it ended now, I've valued all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with unbelievable people.
"Being able to label your enthusiasm your vocation, it's one of the most important honors.
"Achieving this for so considerable a time with the teams that I did it with was a pleasure. And I am aware they will want to assist in any way they can and I await having those talks."
