Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, affectionately known as "Mad Dog" during his illustrious career, has opened up about the alarming symptoms that led to his devastating Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis in a heartfelt interview that's sending shockwaves through the sporting world.
The First Warning Signs
The 45-year-old World Cup winner initially dismissed his symptoms as minor health niggles, but they quickly escalated into something far more sinister. "It started with a persistent twitch in my arm that I couldn't ignore," Moody revealed. "Then came the muscle cramps and weakness that made everyday tasks increasingly difficult."
The Moment of Truth
Moody's diagnosis came after extensive medical tests, with doctors confirming the former Leicester Tigers and Bath star was facing the same cruel disease that claimed the life of his close friend and former teammate, Rob Burrow. The rugby community was left reeling by the news, coming just weeks after Burrow's tragic passing.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
The key warning signs Moody experienced include:
- Persistent muscle twitching and fasciculations
- Unexplained muscle weakness and fatigue
- Difficulty with grip and fine motor skills
- Muscle cramps and stiffness
- Changes in speech patterns
A Champion's Fighting Spirit
Despite the grim prognosis, the former flanker is approaching his battle with the same determination that made him a rugby legend. "I'm determined to face this head-on, just like I did on the pitch," Moody stated. "Every day is precious, and I'm not wasting a single moment."
Raising Awareness and Hope
Moody is now channelling his energy into raising awareness about MND symptoms, urging others not to ignore potential warning signs. His courage is inspiring a new wave of support for MND research and patient care across the UK.
The rugby community has rallied around the beloved sportsman, with former teammates and rivals alike sharing messages of support for the father-of-two as he begins this challenging new chapter.
