Former English captain Lewis Moody has announced he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and acknowledged he cannot yet face the full implications of the muscle-degenerating condition that claimed the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The middle-aged sportsman, who was involved in the 2003 championship side and won multiple English and European titles with Leicester, gave an interview to BBC Breakfast a fortnight after discovering he has the condition.
"There's a certain looking the future in the face and being reluctant to fully comprehend that at the present time," he stated.
"It isn't that I am unaware of where it's progressing. We understand that. But there is certainly a unwillingness to face what's ahead for now."
Moody, talking alongside his wife Annie, says instead he feels "calm" as he focuses on his present welfare, his family and planning ahead for when the condition deteriorates.
"Maybe that's shock or possibly I handle situations uniquely, and once I have the details, it's easier," he stated further.
Early Indications
Moody learned he had MND after observing some lack of strength in his shoulder area while exercising in the gym.
After physical therapy didn't help the problem, a number of scans indicated nerve cells in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.
"You're presented with this condition identification of MND and we're appropriately quite moved about it, but it's rather peculiar because I sense that everything is fine," he continued.
"I don't experience ill. I don't feel unwell
"My symptoms are rather minimal. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the fingers and the shoulder.
"I continue to be competent to performing anything and everything. And hopefully that will carry on for as long as is possible."
Illness Advancement
MND can develop rapidly.
Based on the organization MND Association, the condition takes the lives of a 33% of people within a 365 days and over half within 24 months of identification, as swallowing and breathing become increasingly challenging.
Treatment can only slow deterioration.
"It's never me that I feel sad for," commented an affected Moody.
"It's about the sorrow around having to inform my mum - as an only child - and the ramifications that has for her."
Household Effect
Conversing from the residence with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was consumed with feeling when he discussed informing his sons - 17-year-old Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the traumatic news, stating: "It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do."
"These are two excellent boys and that was pretty heartbreaking," Moody said.
"We sat on the sofa in tears, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog leapt across and commenced cleaning the moisture off our faces, which was rather funny."
Moody explained the emphasis was staying in the now.
"There exists no cure and that is why you have to be so strongly concentrated on just welcoming and appreciating each moment now," he said.
"As my wife mentioned, we've been really blessed that the only real choice I made when I left playing was to devote as much period with the kids as possible. We won't recover those times back."
Athlete Connection
Top-level sportspeople are excessively affected by MND, with research proposing the prevalence of the disease is up to sixfold elevated than in the broader public.
It is considered that by reducing the oxygen available and producing harm to motor neurone cells, frequent, strenuous physical activity can activate the illness in those inherently vulnerable.
Athletic Professional Life
Moody, who earned 71 England selections and competed with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in honour of his brave, persistent method 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 left a practice gear and commenced participating in tackles.
After appearing as a substitute in the Rugby World Cup championship win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the back of the line-out in the crucial phase of play, setting a foundation for half-back Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to score the victory-securing drop-goal.
Support Community
Moody has already told Johnson, who captained England to that victory, and a few other previous team-mates about his condition, but the others will be discovering his news with the rest of public.
"There shall be a period when we'll need to rely on their assistance but, at the minute, just having that kind of care and recognition that people are available is what's important," he stated.
"Rugby is such a great group.
"I mentioned to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even when it ended now, I've enjoyed all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.
"Being able to label your enthusiasm your profession, it's one of the most important honors.
"Achieving this for so long a duration with the teams that I did it with was a joy. And I understand they will want to support in whatever way they can and I await having those talks."
