Rugby Legend Embarks on 500-Mile Journey to Champion MND Awareness
Rugby captain starts 500 mile cycle – Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has initiated a 500-mile (804km) cycling adventure to heighten awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), following his recent diagnosis. At 48, Moody is joined by more than a dozen teammates, friends, and family members as they begin their route from Newcastle Red Bulls’ stadium, heading toward Rugby HQ in Twickenham.
A Dedication to Doddie Weir’s Legacy
Moody expressed his admiration for George “Doddie” Weir, a former Red Bulls player who passed away from MND in 2022. He credited the efforts of campaigners like Kevin Sinfield for fostering hope that a cure might soon be discovered.
The Lewis Moody XV Challenge
The initiative, dubbed the Lewis Moody XV Challenge, aims to fundraise for the My Name’s Doddie Foundation. The team will pause in Durham before traveling to Ripon Rugby Club as part of the first stage. Subsequent stops will include Moody’s former clubs, such as Leicester Tigers and Bath, culminating in Twickenham by Thursday.
“It’s not a pleasant diagnosis, but you have to approach these things with a positive mindset,” Moody told the BBC. “Having the energy of people in Newcastle, along with all my former teammates and crew, I am genuinely excited to take on this challenge.”
Accompanying Moody are Doddie’s wife Kathy and son Hamish, who plays for Melrose Rugby in Scotland. Kathy remarked that Doddie would be “so proud that we are all back here and still trying to find that cure for MND.”
James Campbell, a local supporter diagnosed with MND, joined others in capturing photos with the cyclists before commending their commitment. “I wanted to support the racers heading off… I think it’s tremendous of him to put himself through this. It’s incredible,” Campbell said.
Moody highlighted the importance of his team’s support in sustaining his mental and physical strength for the demanding challenge.
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