Rugby Stars Join Lewis Moody's 500-Mile MND Fundraising Ride

When Lewis Moody received his motor neurone disease diagnosis last September, the former England rugby captain didn't retreat—he got back in the game.

The 47-year-old is organizing a 500-mile cycling challenge across England this June, joined by legendary teammates including Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall, and other members of England's 2003 World Cup-winning squad. They'll start in Newcastle on June 14 and arrive at Twickenham seven days later to deliver the match ball for the Premiership final.

"I feel that I am being brought off the bench to take that baton forward and trying to get this job done," Moody said. The ride will raise money for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which has already brought in £23.5 million for MND research since 2017.

Moody first noticed something was wrong while training at the gym, when weakness appeared in his shoulder. Since diagnosis, he's experienced gradual changes in his hand and finger strength, making everyday tasks like opening bottles or cutting food more challenging.

But he's not letting the disease sideline him. His teenage sons Dylan and Ethan will join the peloton, alongside 15 former teammates who immediately said yes when asked.

Phil Vickery told Moody: "Mate, I absolutely hate cycling, but I am 100% going to do this with you." That's the kind of loyalty that defined their playing days and continues now.

Why This Inspires

Every day, six people in the UK discover they have MND, a degenerative muscle-wasting disease with no cure. Moody is channeling the competitive fire that made him a rugby legend into something bigger than any trophy.

He's learning to pace himself differently than his playing days, when he thrived on pushing through discomfort. Former captain Martin Johnson now watches for signs of fatigue during training rides, reminding Moody it's okay to rest.

The seven-day route will wind through rugby heartland, stopping at clubs from Newcastle to Bath before the final 25-mile push to Twickenham. Moody has already raised millions for brain tumor research through his charitable foundation, and his teammates know his dedication is unmatched.

"The old competitive, fighting spirit has languished away from the spotlight for a while," Moody said, "but this little platform has given my teeth a little bit more sharpness."

He doesn't know how many challenges he has left in him physically, which is exactly why he's doing this one now.