Former English skipper Lewis Moody has revealed he has been found to have motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet confront the full consequences of the muscle-wasting condition that took the lives of fellow 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 a fortnight after learning he has the condition.
"There's a certain facing the future and hesitating to completely absorb that at the moment," he commented.
"It isn't that I don't understand where it's heading. We understand that. But there is definitely a reluctance to confront the future for now."
Moody, speaking with his wife Annie, states conversely he feels "at ease" as he concentrates on his present wellbeing, his family and making preparations for when the condition deteriorates.
"Perhaps that's trauma or maybe I deal with matters differently, and when I have the details, it's simpler," he stated further.
Early Signs
Moody discovered he had MND after detecting some reduced power in his shoulder area while working out in the gym.
After rehabilitation was ineffective for the condition, a set of scans showed neural pathways in his neurological system had been damaged by MND.
"You're presented with this condition identification of MND and we're rightly extremely affected about it, but it's rather peculiar because I feel like everything is fine," he continued.
"I don't sense ill. I don't sense unwell
"My indications are quite slight. I have a bit of muscle deterioration in the fingers and the shoulder region.
"I continue to be competent to performing all activities. And with luck that will carry on for as long as is attainable."
Disease Advancement
MND can advance quickly.
According to the organization MND Association, the condition kills a third of people within a year and above half within 24 months of diagnosis, as swallowing and breathing become more difficult.
Medical care can only retard worsening.
"It's not me that I am upset for," stated an affected Moody.
"It's the grief around having to break the news to my mum - as an sole offspring - and the ramifications that has for her."
Personal Impact
Conversing from the residence with his wife and their canine companion by his side, Moody was overwhelmed by emotion when he mentioned informing his sons - 17-year Dylan and 15-year Ethan - the devastating news, commenting: "That represented the hardest thing I've ever had to do."
"They're two wonderful boys and that was quite devastating," Moody remarked.
"We were seated on the settee in crying, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and began licking the tears off our faces, which was rather funny."
Moody stated the priority was remaining in the moment.
"There is no cure and that is why you have to be so intensely focused on just welcoming and enjoying everything now," he commented.
"According to Annie, we've been very fortunate that the primary determination I made when I concluded playing was to devote as much time with the kids as feasible. We can't reclaim those periods back."
Sportsman Connection
Professional competitors are disproportionately impacted by MND, with investigations suggesting the prevalence of the condition is up to sixfold greater than in the general population.
It is thought that by reducing the oxygen available and creating harm to nerve cells, consistent, vigorous training can initiate the illness in those previously vulnerable.
Rugby Playing Days
Moody, who gained 71 England appearances and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his professional days, in honour of his courageous, unwavering style to the game.
He competed through a stress fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once initiated a practice altercation with team-mate and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he left a training equipment and commenced throwing himself into collisions.
After entering as a substitute in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the back of the throw-in in the critical passage of play, setting a platform for scrum-half Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the victory-securing drop kick.
Backing System
Moody has earlier told Johnson, who captained England to that championship, and a couple of other previous team-mates about his diagnosis, but the remaining individuals will be discovering his news with the broader public.
"We'll have a moment when we'll need to lean on their assistance but, at the moment, just having that kind of care and acceptance that people are available is the crucial thing," he stated.
"This game is such a wonderful group.
"I said to the kids the other day, I've had an amazing life.
"Even if it finished now, I've appreciated all of it and welcomed all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.
"Being able to call your love your profession, it's one of the greatest privileges.
"Having accomplished it for so considerable a period with the groups that I did it with was a joy. And I know they will want to support in any way they can and I await having those conversations."
