Former Australia rugby international Nathan Charles has revealed he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at 37. Charles played hooker for the Western Force, as well as the Melbourne Rebels, Sydney University, and Western Sydney Rams. He was also an international with Australia, having made four appearances for the Wallabies between 2014 and 2015.
Diagnosis after months of uncertainty
Charles has revealed he doesn't know how long he has to live after being diagnosed with MND. During a gut-wrenching interview with Stan Sport, Charles remarked: "For a long period there I just didn't know what it was. I've had many tests and seen many doctors, but we just weren't getting any answers. My health just kept declining."
"And then recently, in the last few weeks, I was actually diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which has been extremely challenging and overwhelming and at times quite cruel. But I've got a lot of great people around me. It is what it is, you just have to get on with it which is what I'm trying to do."
Fears realised in hospital appointment
He added: "I had a bad feeling going into that appointment and my fears were realised. It was the people around me that I felt worse for. My first question was 'how long have I got?' I know that every person with MND has a different journey, a different path and it affects everyone differently.
"I know there's no cure and… your physicality, your body deteriorates and, yeah, your life cuts short."
Overcoming cystic fibrosis
Charles overcame cystic fibrosis to forge a professional career in rugby, with his family having previously been told, when he was just three years old, that he might not live past the age of 10. On his previous struggles, Charles said: "I am constantly pushing the boundaries and am living proof that anything is possible. It is my personal mission to truly exceed the life expectancy of 37 years [which is the life expectancy of people with CF].
"I was born with a life-threatening illness. I've given that a red-hot crack. Now this other thing comes along. I find it quite ironic that something else will strike me down rather than what I've been dealing with for my whole life."
Support from rugby community
Several former rugby players have been diagnosed with MND, including Jai Arrow, Lewis Moody, Carl Webb, and the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow. Charles was sent plenty of messages of support, including one from Wallabies captain Harry Wilson.
The skipper said: "G'day Cheesy. On behalf of the Wallabies and Rugby Australia, we're all with you in this tough time. We know you have a tough time ahead, but we're with you on every step of the way mate."
