Lewis Moody to Lead 500-Mile Cycling Challenge for MND Charity in June
Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, a 2003 World Cup winner, will embark on a demanding 500-mile, seven-day cycling challenge this summer. The event aims to raise crucial funds for research into motor neurone disease (MND), a condition Moody was diagnosed with last autumn. The challenge will support the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation (MNDF), established by the late Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir, who passed away in November 2022 after a six-year battle with MND.
Details of the Lewis XV's Challenge
The cycling challenge, named The Lewis XV's, will commence on Sunday, June 14, at the northern-most PREM Rugby club, Newcastle Red Bulls. It will conclude on Saturday, June 20, at the Allianz Stadium (Twickenham), where participants will deliver the match ball for the Gallagher PREM Rugby Final. Moody will be joined by a group of rugby stars, close friends, and family members, creating a powerful show of solidarity and support.
Moody's Personal Motivation and Vision
In a heartfelt statement, Moody expressed his determination to continue his annual fundraising efforts despite living with MND. "I don't know how many more opportunities I'll have to push myself in this way, which is why taking on this 500-mile cycling challenge now feels so important," he said. Moody emphasized that the journey is about more than just the miles; it's about camaraderie, support, and making a tangible difference. "I want to do everything in my power to make a difference, building on the work of giants who have gone before me," he added, highlighting his commitment to accelerating progress for the MND community.
Participants and Support from the Foundation
The ride will feature an impressive roster of rugby personalities, including Phil Vickery, Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Corry, Mike Tindall, Ben Kay, Kenny Logan, Tom Croft, Geordan Murphy, Leon Lloyd, Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs, Lee Mears, Danny Care, Dan Hipkiss, Andy Gomarsall, and Louis Deacon. Moody's teenage sons, Dylan and Ethan, also plan to participate, adding a personal family dimension to the challenge.
Nicola Roseman, chief executive of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, praised Moody's courage and spirit. "Lewis embodies the same spirit that Doddie showed every single day – a recognition of MND, but a refusal to let the diagnosis define you," she said. Roseman noted that the challenge has the potential to be a landmark moment for MND fundraising and awareness, with funds directly supporting research toward effective treatments and a cure.
Broader Support and Impact
Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling, extended his best wishes to Moody and The Lewis XV. "We're very proud when people who have achieved as much as Lewis choose cycling as a means of delivering social impact," he remarked, acknowledging the challenge's significance in promoting awareness and support for MND research.
