‘Lewis Moody diagnosed with MND’ is dominating headlines across the world, and it has saddened almost every rugby fan out there. Renowned by the nickname “Mad Dog” for his insane enthusiasm and willingness to chase down opponents even in the game’s closing quarters, Lewis Moody at his prime was a nightmare for his opponents. In 2004, Moody was honoured with the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his vital role in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory.
Ex-England rugby captain, Lewis Moody, diagnosed with motor neurone disease: first signs, causes, life expectancy, and MND’s treatment
For the uninitiated, in the 2003 World Cup final, Lewis Moody won the lineout that set up Jonny Wilkinson’s historic drop goal, which handed England their first-ever World Cup title. Fast forward to 2025, and in an interview with the BBC, Moody shockingly revealed that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 47-year-old was joined by his doting wife, Annie Moody, who was calmly listening to him while he shared the details of his diagnosis.
Furthermore, in the same interview with the BBC, Lewis Moody discussed his current health condition and assured his well-wishers and fans that he is doing well right now. He also added that he feels “nothing’s wrong” in his body at the moment, as the symptoms are minor for now. Moody revealed that he is still capable of doing everything, and he hopes that this will continue for as long as possible. He said:
“You’re given this diagnosis of MND, and we’re rightly quite emotional about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong. I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell. My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder.”
Before we delve further into Lewis Moody’s heartbreaking revelation, it’s essential to understand motor neurone disease. For the unversed, MND is a progressive neurological disorder that damages the nerves that control voluntary muscles. Early signs of motor neurone disorder include twitching, muscle weakness, casting, and cramping. The cause of MND is unknown, but according to multiple reports, it is influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. The life expectancy averages 3 to 5 years from diagnosis, and its progression varies widely. As of now, there’s no cure for MND, and all a patient can do is manage symptoms.
Lewis Moody recalls breaking the news of his MND diagnosis to his sons, who are aged 15 and 17
Returning to the interview with the BBC, Lewis Moody admitted that he isn’t feeling sad for himself; instead, he’s deeply worried about his family, including his mother, wife, and two sons. The former rugby player confessed that he is his mother’s only child, and to break this news to her was extremely sad for him. He also added that the hardest thing he had done in his life was to break the unfortunate news to his sons, Ethan (aged 15) and Dylan (aged 17). Recalling the moment when he told his family about it, he said:
“It’s never me that I feel sad for. It’s the sadness around having to tell my mum – as an only child. It [telling his sons] was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. They are two brilliant boys and that was pretty heartbreaking. We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather silly.”
Who is Lewis Moody’s wife, Annie Moody? Meet the former rugby captain’s partner, who has been standing like a rock in his fight against motor neurone disease (MND)
It is, hands down, the hardest and lowest point in Lewis Moody’s life, and no amount of words can adequately convey the pain he is experiencing as he contemplates the future of his family. However, in this tragic time, he is blessed to have his wife, Annie Moody, in his life. The doting wife has been a constant source of motivation for him.
Throughout these years, we have seen Annie Moody giving her all in supporting Moody’s rugby career, life after retirement, philanthropic activities, and now his battle with MND. Lewis Moody and Annie got married in June 2006, and since then, they’ve built a beautiful family, consisting of two young boys, Dylan and Ethan. While Lewis was making his mark in the rugby world, Annie was dedicated to working at The Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting research into brain tumours and helping affected families.
Lewis Moody’s wife, Annie Moody, shares an encouraging message for her husband after he opened up about his MND diagnosis
Annie Moody has always been supportive of her husband, Lewis Moody, and a glimpse of her strength we witnessed when she dropped a post on her Instagram handle soon after Moody’s MND diagnosis. Along with a lovely picture with Moody, she wrote, “Forever. We’ve got this babe x”, and it has left everyone in tears. The rugby player is receiving strength from all corners as people are praying for his speedy recovery. Although it is known that there’s no permanent recovery possible from it, we hope he delays its major complications as long as possible.
We hope and wish Lewis Moody delays the severe complications of this incurable disease as long as possible.
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