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Former England captain Lewis Moody starts 500-mile cycle after MND diagnosis
TL;DR
Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody is cycling 500 miles to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after his diagnosis. He began the ride from Newcastle with fellow players and supporters, honoring the late George Weir.
Key points
- Lewis Moody diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease
- 500-mile bike ride to raise awareness for MND
- Ride starts from Newcastle Red Bulls' stadium
- Tribute to George 'Doddie' Weir who died from MND
- Funds raised for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation
Mentioned in this story
Lewis MoodyGeorge WeirMy Name'5 Doddie Foundation
England's former rugby captain Lewis Moody is embarking on a 500-mile (804km) bike ride to raise awareness around Motor Neurone Disease (MND) following his own diagnosis.
The 48-year-old, along with more than a dozen rugby players, friends and family, set off from Newcastle Red Bulls' stadium for Rugby HQ in Twickenham.
Moody paid tribute to George "Doddie" Weir, who played for the Red Bulls and died from MND in 2022. He said the efforts of MND campaigners such as Kevin Sinfield meant there was hope that the discovery of a cure was getting closer.
MND is a rare neurological condition which affects the brain and spinal cord, and can affect a person's ability to talk, walk and breathe.
The Lewis Moody XV Challenge, which is raising money for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, will see the team stop off in Durham, before travelling to Ripon Rugby Club on the first leg of the challenge.
They will then visit all five of Moody's former clubs, including Leicester Tigers and Bath, before arriving in Twickenhead on Thursday.
"It's not a pleasant diagnosis, but you have to approach these things with a positive mindset," Moody told the BBC.
"Having the energy of people in Newcastle, all my former team mates, crew, I am just genuinely excited to get into it [the challenge]."
Moody was joined by Weir's wife Kathy and son Hamish, who plays for Melrose Rugby in Scotland.
Kathy said Doddie "would be so proud that we are all back here and still trying to find that cure for MND".
As onlookers took photographs with the players, James Campbell from Newcastle, said he was keen to see them off after being receiving his own MND diagnosis.
"I wanted to support the racers heading off... I think it's tremendous of him to put himself through this. It's incredible."
Moody added that he was relying on the efforts of his team to keep his "strength up" mentally and physically, so he can complete the challenge.
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Q&A
What is the purpose of Lewis Moody's 500-mile bike ride?
Lewis Moody's bike ride aims to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) following his own diagnosis.
Who is Lewis Moody honoring during his cycling challenge?
Lewis Moody is honoring George 'Doddie' Weir, a former player who died from MND in 2022.
What organization is benefiting from the Lewis Moody XV Challenge?
The Lewis Moody XV Challenge is raising money for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
