World Cup rugby stars back Lewis Moody's MND fight: 'It's not incurable, it's underfunded'

Lewis Moody, joined by rugby legends and the Weir family, started a 505-mile charity cycle from Newcastle to Twickenham to raise funds and awareness for MND research, stating the disease is underfunded, not incurable.

Brit Brief 14/06/2026 11:34

World Cup rugby stars back Lewis Moody's MND fight: 'It's not incurable, it's underfunded' — Rugby stars back Lewis Moody's MND fight: 'Underfunded'

World Cup-winning rugby stars have rallied behind Lewis Moody's fight against motor neurone disease (MND), with the former England captain declaring: "It's not incurable, it's underfunded."

Lewis Moody XV Challenge Launches at Kingston Park

The Lewis Moody XV, a team of rugby greats, departed from Newcastle's Kingston Park on a 505-mile charity cycle to Twickenham. Moody, 48, who revealed his MND diagnosis last year, is joined by his wife Annie and sons Dylan and Ethan, along with legends like Martin Johnson, Jason Robinson, and Kenny Logan. The Weir family—Kathy and son Hamish—also participated in the first leg, honoring the late Doddie Weir.

Moody's Message: Underfunded, Not Incurable

Speaking to ChronicleLive, Moody emphasized the need for more research: "MND is not a pleasant diagnosis. There's very little that can be done for you—only one drug has come through in the last 25 years. My Name'5 Doddie Foundation is creative and innovative, driving this forward. As doctors say: It's not incurable, it's underfunded."

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Kathy Weir: The Fight Continues

Kathy Weir, Doddie's widow, highlighted the charity's ongoing mission: "We didn't know the charity would still be going when Doddie passed, but it's stronger than ever. Our mission is to find a cure. Enjoy the time you have and raise awareness and money."

Rallying the Rugby Community and Beyond

Moody called for national and global support: "This disease affects families everywhere. We need people to rally behind the MND community like rugby people always rally behind each other. Donate, support along the route, or spread the word—it makes a difference."

Since 2017, My Name'5 Doddie Foundation has committed over £23.5 million to MND research. Paul Thompson, director of fundraising, praised Moody: "Lewis has inspired many through his approach to his diagnosis. This challenge is about friendship, family, resilience, and communities coming together. Every mile and pound helps accelerate research towards a cure."

For more details and to donate, visit lewismoodyxv-cyclechallenge.com.