Former England leader Lewis Moody has announced he has been found to have motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet face the full consequences 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 part of the 2003 championship side and won multiple English and European titles with Leicester, gave an interview to BBC Breakfast two weeks after discovering he has the illness.
"There's something about looking the future in the face and hesitating to fully comprehend that at the minute," he said.
"It's not that I am unaware of where it's progressing. We grasp that. But there is definitely a hesitation to confront the future for now."
Moody, conversing with his wife Annie, says conversely he feels "peaceful" as he focuses on his immediate health, his family and planning ahead for when the condition progresses.
"Maybe that's trauma or possibly I deal with matters differently, and after I have the facts, it's simpler," he continued.
Initial Indications
Moody learned he had MND after observing some reduced power in his upper arm while exercising in the gym.
After rehabilitation failed to improve the condition, a series of scans indicated nerve cells in his central nervous system had been damaged by MND.
"You're given this medical finding of MND and we're appropriately quite affected about it, but it's rather peculiar because I sense that nothing's wrong," he remarked.
"I don't sense sick. I don't sense sick
"My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the fingers and the shoulder region.
"I remain capable of performing anything and everything. And hopefully that will persist for as long as is feasible."
Disease Development
MND can progress swiftly.
As per the organization MND Association, the condition claims a 33% of people within a year and more than half within 24 months of identification, as ingestion and respiration become more difficult.
Treatment can only delay deterioration.
"It's not me that I experience sorrow for," added an emotional Moody.
"There's grief around having to break the news to my mum - as an sole offspring - and the implications that has for her."
Family Effect
Speaking from the household with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was consumed with sentiment when he discussed breaking the news to his sons - 17-year-old Dylan and 15-year Ethan - the traumatic news, saying: "That represented the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"These are two excellent boys and that was rather devastating," Moody stated.
"We sat on the settee in crying, Ethan and Dylan both hugging in each other, then the dog leapt across and started cleaning the moisture off our faces, which was somewhat funny."
Moody explained the focus was staying in the moment.
"There exists no solution and that is why you have to be so strongly directed on just embracing and appreciating each moment now," he commented.
"As my wife mentioned, we've been very blessed that the primary determination I made when I left playing was to devote as much time with the kids as possible. We don't get those years back."
Athlete Association
Elite sportspeople are excessively affected by MND, with investigations proposing the incidence of the illness is up to sixfold higher than in the broader public.
It is believed that by limiting the oxygen accessible and causing harm to neural pathways, consistent, strenuous physical activity can initiate the condition in those inherently genetically susceptible.
Rugby Playing Days
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 method to the game.
He participated through a stress fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once caused a practice confrontation with fellow player and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he discarded a tackle pad and started participating in physical contacts.
After entering as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the end of the line-out in the decisive phase of play, creating a foundation for playmaker Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to score the game-deciding field goal.
Backing Network
Moody has earlier informed Johnson, who skippered England to that title, and a couple of other previous colleagues about his medical situation, but the remaining individuals will be finding out his news with the broader public.
"There shall be a time when we'll need to lean on their assistance but, at the present, just having that sort of affection and acceptance that people are present is the crucial thing," he commented.
"This game is such a excellent community.
"I mentioned to the kids the other day, I've had an amazing life.
"Even when it ended now, I've appreciated all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.
"When you get to consider your love your vocation, it's one of the most important honors.
"Having accomplished it for so long a period with the teams that I did it with was a delight. And I am aware they will want to support in whatever way they can and I await having those conversations."
