Former English captain Lewis Moody has announced he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet deal with the full ramifications of the muscle-degenerating condition that ended the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old athlete, who was involved in the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and secured multiple English and European titles with Leicester, gave an interview to BBC Breakfast two weeks after learning he has the disease.
"There's a certain facing the future and not wanting to completely absorb that at the minute," he stated.
"It's not that I don't understand where it's heading. We grasp that. But there is definitely a reluctance to confront the future for now."
Moody, conversing with his wife Annie, explains rather he feels "calm" as he directs his attention to his current wellbeing, his family and making preparations for when the disease progresses.
"Perhaps that's shock or maybe I deal with matters differently, and after I have the facts, it's simpler," he continued.
First Indications
Moody found out he had MND after detecting some lack of strength in his upper arm while training in the gym.
After physical therapy was ineffective for the problem, a set of scans revealed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been affected by MND.
"You receive this medical finding of MND and we're rightly very moved about it, but it's quite odd because I think everything is fine," he continued.
"I don't experience ill. I don't experience unwell
"My symptoms are quite slight. I have a small amount of muscle deterioration in the hand area and the shoulder.
"I remain able to accomplishing all activities. And with luck that will persist for as long as is feasible."
Disease Progression
MND can advance swiftly.
As per the organization MND Association, the illness kills a third of people within a year and more than half within 24 months of detection, as swallowing and breathing become increasingly challenging.
Treatment can only delay deterioration.
"It isn't ever me that I feel sad for," commented an emotional Moody.
"There's grief around having to break the news to my mum - as an only child - and the implications that has for her."
Personal Consequences
Conversing from the household with his wife and their canine companion by his side, Moody was overcome with sentiment when he spoke about breaking the news to his sons - 17-year-old Dylan and adolescent Ethan - the traumatic news, commenting: "It was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"They are two brilliant boys and that was rather upsetting," Moody remarked.
"We positioned ourselves on the settee in crying, Ethan and Dylan both hugging in each other, then the dog leapt across and commenced removing the tears off our faces, which was quite funny."
Moody stated the priority was remaining in the now.
"There is no cure and that is why you have to be very militantly focused on just accepting and savoring all aspects now," he commented.
"According to Annie, we've been truly fortunate that the sole choice I made when I retired from playing was to spend as much time with the kids as feasible. We don't get those years back."
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Top-level sportspeople are unevenly influenced by MND, with research indicating the rate of the condition is up to 600% greater than in the wider community.
It is thought that by reducing the oxygen accessible and causing injury to nerve cells, consistent, intense physical activity can trigger the disease in those already genetically susceptible.
Rugby Playing Days
Moody, who earned 71 England selections and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was dubbed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in acknowledgment of his courageous, relentless approach to the game.
He played through a bone injury of his leg for a duration with Leicester and once initiated a practice scuffle with fellow player and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he left a training equipment and commenced engaging in collisions.
After entering as a substitute in the Rugby World Cup championship win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the end of the throw-in in the decisive moment of play, creating a base for scrum-half Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the victory-securing drop kick.
Backing System
Moody has already told Johnson, who led England to that victory, and a handful of other former players about his medical situation, but the remaining individuals will be learning his news with the remainder of public.
"There will be a moment when we'll need to lean on their backing but, at the present, just having that sort of love and acceptance that people are present is all that matters," he commented.
"This game is such a excellent community.
"I told to the kids the other day, I've had an amazing life.
"Even when it ended now, I've appreciated all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.
"Being able to call your passion your profession, it's one of the most significant privileges.
"Achieving this for so extended a duration with the squads that I did it with was a joy. And I know they will wish to help in every way they can and I await having those discussions."
