Former English leader Lewis Moody has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and acknowledged he cannot yet confront 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, who was a member of the World Cup champion 2003 side and secured several English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast 14 days after discovering he has the condition.
"There's an element of confronting what lies ahead and hesitating to completely absorb that at the present time," he commented.
"It isn't that I am unaware of where it's going. We comprehend that. But there is absolutely a hesitation to look the future in the face for now."
Moody, conversing with his wife Annie, states rather he feels "peaceful" as he focuses on his immediate welfare, his family and making preparations for when the condition worsens.
"Perhaps that's surprise or maybe I process things differently, and when I have the details, it's simpler," he stated further.
Early Indications
Moody found out he had MND after noticing some reduced power in his shoulder while exercising in the gym.
After physical therapy didn't help the problem, a set of scans revealed nerve cells in his brain and spinal cord had been compromised by MND.
"You're given this diagnosis of MND and we're rightly extremely moved about it, but it's rather peculiar because I feel like everything is fine," he continued.
"I don't sense unwell. I don't experience unwell
"The signs I have are very minor. I have a small amount of muscle loss in the fingers and the shoulder region.
"I continue to be competent to doing all activities. And with luck that will carry on for as long as is feasible."
Condition Progression
MND can develop swiftly.
Based on the charity MND Association, the illness claims a third of people within a twelve months and over half within two years of diagnosis, as ingestion and breathing become increasingly challenging.
Treatment can only delay worsening.
"It isn't ever me that I feel sad for," commented an moved Moody.
"There's sadness around having to inform my mum - as an sole offspring - and the ramifications that has for her."
Household Consequences
Speaking from the residence with his wife and their canine companion by his side, Moody was overwhelmed by sentiment when he discussed breaking the news to his sons - teenage Dylan and adolescent Ethan - the heartbreaking news, saying: "That represented the hardest thing I've ever had to do."
"They are two wonderful boys and that was quite heartbreaking," Moody remarked.
"We positioned ourselves on the settee in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and began cleaning the drops off our faces, which was somewhat funny."
Moody said the emphasis was being in the moment.
"There exists no treatment and that is why you have to be extremely strongly focused on just welcoming and enjoying everything now," he commented.
"As Annie said, we've been very fortunate that the sole choice I made when I left playing was to devote as much time with the kids as possible. We don't get those times back."
Athlete Connection
Top-level competitors are unevenly influenced by MND, with research proposing the prevalence of the condition is up to sixfold higher than in the wider community.
It is considered that by restricting the oxygen available and producing damage to neural pathways, consistent, intense exercise can trigger the disease in those already vulnerable.
Sports Professional Life
Moody, who gained 71 England caps and traveled with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was dubbed 'Mad Dog' during his professional days, in acknowledgment of his courageous, persistent approach to the game.
He competed through a fracture of his leg for a time with Leicester and once initiated a workout altercation with fellow player and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he discarded a training equipment and began throwing himself into collisions.
After appearing as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the back of the throw-in in the crucial moment of play, establishing a platform for playmaker Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to execute the match-winning field goal.
Assistance System
Moody has earlier told Johnson, who captained England to that title, and a handful of other ex- colleagues about his diagnosis, but the remaining individuals will be learning his news with the rest of public.
"There will be a moment when we'll need to depend on their assistance but, at the present, just having that type of love and recognition that people are present is the crucial thing," he stated.
"This game is such a wonderful community.
"I mentioned to the kids the other day, I've had an amazing life.
"Even if it ended now, I've appreciated all of it and welcomed all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.
"Being able to consider your enthusiasm your vocation, it's one of the most important blessings.
"To have done it for so long a duration with the teams that I did it with was a pleasure. And I understand they will desire to help in whatever way they can and I await having those talks."
