Lewis Moody Embarks on 500-Mile Cycling Challenge to Combat Motor Neurone Disease
The former England rugby captain, Lewis Moody, has declared he is "picking up the baton" from the late Doddie Weir by launching an ambitious fundraising initiative. Moody will lead a grueling 500-mile cycling journey over seven days this summer, with all proceeds directed to the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to fighting motor neurone disease (MND).
Rugby Legends Unite for a Noble Cause
Moody will not be alone in this endeavor. He will be accompanied by several of his fellow 2003 Rugby World Cup champions, including Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall, and Ben Kay, as well as his teenage sons. The route will commence in Newcastle, where Doddie Weir played for seven years, and conclude at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. The ride is timed to culminate with Moody presenting the match ball at the Premiership final on June 20.
This challenge, dubbed the Lewis XV's ride, aims to build on the substantial legacy of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which has raised over £23.5 million for MND research. Moody, who publicly revealed his own MND diagnosis in October last year, expressed a deep commitment to advancing the fight against a disease that affects approximately six new individuals daily in the UK.
A Personal Mission with Global Implications
In a heartfelt statement, Moody shared, "I'm really proud to be aligning my name with Doddie, who was a force of nature as a character. I feel like in many ways I'm being brought off the bench to take that baton forward and to try and get this job done." He acknowledged the difficulty of the task but emphasized his dedication to contributing energy and time towards meaningful outcomes, whether achieved in his lifetime or beyond.
Reflecting on his diagnosis, Moody remains optimistic, noting that specialists provide hope with ongoing developments in MND treatment. He contrasted this with the less optimistic outlook during the diagnoses of predecessors like Weir and rugby league star Rob Burrow, both of whom succumbed to the disease in recent years.
Competitive Spirit and Personal Resilience
The cycling challenge is expected to foster healthy competition among the participants. Moody highlighted Mike Tindall as a key contender, joking about his fitness levels. He also humorously speculated on Jonny Wilkinson's cycling prowess, wondering if there's a bike robust enough to handle his power.
Six months post-diagnosis, Moody reports being in a positive mindset, with the ride's planning and training offering renewed focus. He mentioned minor challenges, such as decreased finger strength affecting daily tasks like opening bottles or using cutlery, but maintains a resilient attitude. "I don't want to be in this position, of course, but it does sometimes feel like a strange privilege," he said, adding that the campaign provides him with profound purpose and joy.
The Lewis XV ride is set to begin on June 14 in Newcastle, progressing through Moody's former clubs in Leicester, Bath, and Bracknell before the final stretch to Twickenham. This event not only honors Doddie Weir's memory but also galvanizes the rugby community in a united front against MND.
