Bath Rugby have thrown their support behind their former player and ex-England captain Lewis Moody MBE, who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Former Bath Rugby star Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease
Moody, 47, played the vast majority of his club rugby with Leicester Tigers but spent his final two seasons at The Rec.
A back row, he won the World Cup with England in 2003 and went on to skipper his country, including at the 2011 tournament.
Motor neurone disease (MND) causes muscle weakness that gets worse over a few months or years. It is usually life-shortening and there is currently no cure – but treatment can help manage the symptoms.
Scotland rugby legend Doddie Weir OBE, theoretical physicist Prof Stephen Hawking and actor David Niven are among the famous names to have died from motor neurone disease.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created by Moody’s former Leicester team-mates Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd to support him and his family.
Posting on social media, Moody said: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
“This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family.
“I feel fit and well in myself and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come.
“I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease.
“Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours.
“My plan is to continue with this but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once I am clear on what this looks like.
“For now, please know I feel your love and support; all I ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.”
A statement from the Blue, Black & White on Monday 6th October said: “Bath Rugby is deeply saddened to learn that former player Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
“Lewis, who represented Bath Rugby between 2010-2012, was hugely respected at the club. He was a highly influential Test player, British & Irish Lion and World Cup winner.
“He represented his country 71 times including a role in all of England’s matches which culminated in winning the World Cup in 2003.
“Fiercely competitive, known for his passion and enthusiasm on the pitch, Lewis is also recognised as a true gentleman and has continued to inspire others since retiring from the game through his charitable foundation [The Lewis Moody Foundation].”
Bath chief executive Tarquin McDonald said: “This is heartbreaking news and our thoughts and best wishes go out to Lewis, his immediate family and wider circle of friends and loved ones.
“Lewis is, and always will be, part of the Bath Rugby family as a former player who has laid down roots in the local community, and a true ambassador for the sport.
“His charitable work through his foundation, dedicated to raising awareness and funds to improve the lives of those needing help and support, is inspirational.
“This is a devastating illness and we stand together as a club to offer our full support to Lewis, his family and friends.”
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
“Lewis represented England, the British & Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby with both brilliance and distinction – one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don a back-row shirt in the game, earning the respect and admiration of team-mates, opponents and supporters alike all over the world.
“His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflects the very best of our sport’s values.
“Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends at this very difficult time as they come to terms with this diagnosis and I know the entire rugby community stands with them and will support them.
“We are ready to offer practical and emotional support to the Moody family in whatever way is needed and appropriate.
“We encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up and available through GoFundMe.”
To donate to the GoFundMe page for Lewis Moody MBE, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/lewis-moody-fundraising-appeal.
