Former English skipper Lewis Moody has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet face the full implications of the muscle-degenerating condition that claimed the lives of other 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 won several English and European titles with Leicester, gave an interview to BBC Breakfast 14 days after discovering he has the disease.
"There's a certain looking the future in the face and being reluctant to fully comprehend that at the minute," he said.
"It isn't that I don't understand where it's progressing. We grasp that. But there is definitely a unwillingness to confront the future for now."
Moody, speaking together with his wife Annie, states rather he feels "calm" as he concentrates on his immediate wellbeing, his family and getting ready for when the condition worsens.
"Maybe that's trauma or maybe I deal with matters in another way, and once I have the information, it's easier," he stated further.
Early Symptoms
Moody discovered he had MND after detecting some lack of strength in his shoulder while exercising in the gym.
After rehabilitation didn't help the issue, a series of scans showed neural pathways in his central nervous system had been compromised by MND.
"You're given this condition identification of MND and we're understandably very affected about it, but it's rather peculiar because I sense that I'm perfectly healthy," he added.
"I don't sense unwell. I don't sense unwell
"The signs I have are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder.
"I'm still capable of accomplishing anything and everything. And hopefully that will persist for as long as is feasible."
Illness Development
MND can progress swiftly.
As per the charity MND Association, the illness kills a one-third of people within a twelve months and over half within 730 days of diagnosis, as eating and breathing become more difficult.
Therapy can only delay decline.
"It isn't ever me that I experience sorrow for," added an affected Moody.
"It's the grief around having to inform my mum - as an only child - and the ramifications that has for her."
Household Impact
Talking from the household with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was consumed with emotion when he discussed informing his sons - teenage Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the devastating news, stating: "This was the toughest thing I've ever had to do."
"These are two excellent boys and that was quite upsetting," Moody stated.
"We sat on the settee in weeping, Ethan and Dylan both hugging in each other, then the dog leapt across and started removing the tears off our faces, which was quite funny."
Moody explained the focus was staying in the moment.
"We have no solution and that is why you have to be extremely militantly concentrated on just accepting and savoring everything now," he stated.
"As my wife mentioned, we've been really lucky that the primary choice I made when I left playing was to allocate as much period with the kids as attainable. We won't recover those years back."
Athlete Connection
Elite athletes are excessively influenced by MND, with research suggesting the prevalence of the illness is up to sixfold elevated than in the general population.
It is thought that by restricting the O2 obtainable and producing harm to motor neurone cells, frequent, intense physical activity can initiate the condition in those previously genetically susceptible.
Sports Professional Life
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 playing career, in honour of his fearless, persistent approach to the game.
He competed through a fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once caused a practice altercation with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he abandoned a practice gear and started throwing himself into tackles.
After entering as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup championship win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the end of the set piece in the decisive phase of play, setting a base for half-back Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to execute the match-winning field goal.
Backing System
Moody has previously informed Johnson, who skippered England to that championship, and a handful of other ex- players about his diagnosis, but the others will be finding out his news with the rest of public.
"There will be a moment when we'll need to lean on their support but, at the minute, just having that type of love and recognition that people are there is the crucial thing," he stated.
"Rugby is such a great community.
"I told to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even should it concluded now, I've enjoyed all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with unbelievable people.
"When you have the opportunity to call your love your profession, it's one of the most significant honors.
"Having accomplished it for so extended a time with the squads that I did it with was a joy. And I am aware they will desire to support in whatever way they can and I anticipate having those talks."
