Ex- England leader Lewis Moody has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and acknowledged he cannot yet face the full ramifications of the muscle-deteriorating condition that claimed the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old athlete, who was a member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and lifted numerous English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast 14 days after learning he has the disease.
"There's a certain facing the future and hesitating to really process that at the minute," he said.
"This doesn't mean I am unaware of where it's heading. We understand that. But there is definitely a reluctance to confront the future for now."
Moody, speaking with his wife Annie, states conversely he feels "at ease" as he focuses on his current health, his family and getting ready for when the condition worsens.
"Maybe that's shock or perhaps I process things differently, and when I have the details, it's easier," he added.
Initial Symptoms
Moody found out he had MND after observing some weakness in his shoulder while exercising in the gym.
After physical therapy failed to improve the problem, a series of scans showed nerve cells in his central nervous system had been compromised by MND.
"You're presented with this diagnosis of MND and we're rightly extremely moved about it, but it's so strange because I feel like I'm perfectly healthy," he continued.
"I don't sense sick. I don't experience unwell
"My indications are very minor. I have a bit of muscle loss in the fingers and the shoulder region.
"I'm still able to performing whatever I want. And optimistically that will carry on for as long as is attainable."
Condition Advancement
MND can advance swiftly.
As per the non-profit MND Association, the illness takes the lives of a 33% of people within a year and more than half within 24 months of detection, as swallowing and respiration become increasingly challenging.
Medical care can only delay deterioration.
"It's never me that I experience sorrow for," added an affected Moody.
"It's about the sorrow around having to inform my mum - as an only child - and the implications that has for her."
Household Consequences
Conversing from the residence with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was overcome with sentiment when he mentioned informing his sons - teenage Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the heartbreaking news, commenting: "This was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"They are two excellent boys and that was rather devastating," Moody stated.
"We were seated on the settee in crying, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog jumped over and commenced licking the tears off our faces, which was rather amusing."
Moody said the focus was staying in the moment.
"There is no treatment and that is why you have to be so intensely directed on just welcoming and enjoying each moment now," he stated.
"According to Annie, we've been truly blessed that the primary determination I made when I retired from playing was to devote as much time with the kids as attainable. We can't reclaim those years back."
Athlete Connection
Top-level athletes are excessively influenced by MND, with investigations proposing the incidence of the disease is up to six times higher than in the broader public.
It is believed that by reducing the air obtainable and producing injury to motor neurone cells, regular, vigorous training can activate the condition in those previously genetically susceptible.
Rugby Playing Days
Moody, who earned 71 England appearances and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was called 'Mad Dog' during his professional days, in acknowledgment of his courageous, relentless method to the game.
He competed through a fracture of his leg for a duration with Leicester and once sparked a practice scuffle with team-mate and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he left a tackle pad and started engaging in physical contacts.
After coming on as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup final win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the back of the throw-in in the decisive phase of play, creating a platform for half-back Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to score the game-deciding field goal.
Backing Community
Moody has already told Johnson, who captained England to that title, and a few other ex- players about his condition, but the remaining individuals will be discovering his news with the broader public.
"There shall be a time when we'll need to rely on their backing but, at the minute, just having that kind of care and acceptance that people are available is all that matters," he stated.
"This game is such a excellent group.
"I told to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even when it finished now, I've valued all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with unbelievable people.
"When you have the opportunity to label your passion your vocation, it's one of the greatest honors.
"Achieving this for so considerable a period with the squads that I did it with was a delight. And I am aware they will desire to help in whatever way they can and I anticipate having those conversations."
