Former England skipper Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been found to have motor neurone disease and admitted he cannot yet face the full implications of the muscle-degenerating condition that ended the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old athlete, who was involved in the World Cup champion 2003 side and secured multiple English and European titles with Leicester, appeared on BBC Breakfast a fortnight after finding out he has the disease.
"There's something about confronting what lies ahead and being reluctant to really process that at the minute," he commented.
"This doesn't mean I fail to comprehend where it's going. We grasp that. But there is certainly a reluctance to confront the future for now."
Moody, talking together with his wife Annie, states conversely he feels "peaceful" as he concentrates on his present health, his family and getting ready for when the condition deteriorates.
"Possibly that's surprise or possibly I handle situations differently, and when I have the details, it's more manageable," he stated further.
Early Symptoms
Moody found out he had MND after noticing some lack of strength in his shoulder while working out in the gym.
After physiotherapy didn't help the problem, a number of scans revealed nerve cells in his neurological system had been compromised by MND.
"You're given this condition identification of MND and we're appropriately quite emotional about it, but it's so strange because I think everything is fine," he continued.
"I don't feel unwell. I don't feel unwell
"My indications are very minor. I have a bit of muscle loss in the hand and the shoulder region.
"I continue to be capable of performing anything and everything. And with luck that will continue for as long as is attainable."
Condition Development
MND can progress swiftly.
According to the charity MND Association, the illness kills a 33% of people within a 365 days and more than half within two years of identification, as eating and inhalation become harder.
Therapy can only retard decline.
"It's not me that I am upset for," stated an affected Moody.
"It's the grief around having to break the news to my mum - as an single child - and the implications that has for her."
Personal Consequences
Conversing from the household with his wife and their canine companion by his side, Moody was consumed with sentiment when he mentioned informing his sons - teenage Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the traumatic news, stating: "This was the toughest thing I've ever had to do."
"They're two brilliant boys and that was rather devastating," Moody stated.
"We were seated on the settee in crying, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog leapt across and started removing the moisture off our faces, which was quite funny."
Moody said the emphasis was staying in the now.
"There exists no solution and that is why you have to be so intensely directed on just embracing and enjoying everything now," he stated.
"According to Annie, we've been truly fortunate that the primary choice I made when I retired from playing was to spend as much period with the kids as feasible. We don't get those years back."
Athlete Link
Professional sportspeople are disproportionately affected by MND, with research indicating the incidence of the condition is up to six times elevated than in the wider community.
It is considered that by restricting the oxygen obtainable and causing damage to nerve cells, consistent, intense physical activity can activate the illness in those previously vulnerable.
Sports Playing Days
Moody, who gained 71 England caps and traveled with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his professional days, in recognition of his courageous, relentless style to the game.
He participated through a stress fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once initiated a workout scuffle with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he left a practice gear and commenced participating in tackles.
After coming on as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he claimed a ball at the end of the throw-in in the critical passage of play, creating a platform for half-back Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to score the match-winning drop-goal.
Support Network
Moody has already told Johnson, who skippered England to that title, and a handful of other former players about his medical situation, but the others will be discovering his news with the rest of public.
"There shall be a moment when we'll need to rely on their assistance but, at the minute, just having that sort of love and recognition that people are there is all that matters," he commented.
"Rugby is such a great family.
"I told to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even when it ended now, I've appreciated all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.
"When you have the opportunity to consider your passion your career, it's one of the greatest privileges.
"Achieving this for so extended a duration with the squads that I did it with was a delight. And I am aware they will want to help in every way they can and I anticipate having those discussions."
