Former English skipper Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been identified with motor neurone disease and acknowledged he cannot yet confront the full consequences of the muscle-deteriorating condition that claimed the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The middle-aged sportsman, who was a member of the World Cup champion 2003 side and secured several English and European titles with Leicester, gave an interview to BBC Breakfast a fortnight after finding out he has the condition.
"There's a certain looking the future in the face and being reluctant to fully comprehend that at the present time," he commented.
"It isn't that I am unaware of where it's going. We understand that. But there is absolutely a unwillingness to face what's ahead for now."
Moody, conversing together with his wife Annie, states conversely he feels "at ease" as he directs his attention to his immediate wellbeing, his family and getting ready for when the illness progresses.
"Possibly that's shock or maybe I process things uniquely, and when I have the details, it's more manageable," he stated further.
First Indications
Moody learned he had MND after observing some weakness in his shoulder area while working out in the gym.
After physiotherapy failed to improve the condition, a set of scans showed nerve cells in his central nervous system had been affected by MND.
"You're given this medical finding of MND and we're understandably extremely emotional about it, but it's so strange because I sense that nothing's wrong," he continued.
"I don't feel unwell. I don't feel unwell
"My symptoms are rather minimal. I have a bit of muscle loss in the fingers and the shoulder.
"I'm still competent to performing whatever I want. And with luck that will continue for as long as is attainable."
Illness Advancement
MND can progress quickly.
As per the organization MND Association, the condition claims a one-third of people within a year and over half within two years of detection, as ingestion and inhalation become harder.
Medical care can only slow worsening.
"It's not me that I experience sorrow for," added an moved Moody.
"It's the sadness around having to break the news to my mum - as an only child - and the consequences that has for her."
Household Consequences
Conversing from the residence with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was consumed with sentiment when he mentioned telling his sons - teenage Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the heartbreaking news, commenting: "This was the toughest thing I've ever had to do."
"They are two brilliant boys and that was rather upsetting," Moody remarked.
"We were seated on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog bounded over and started licking the moisture off our faces, which was somewhat silly."
Moody stated the focus was being in the moment.
"There is no solution and that is why you have to be so militantly directed on just embracing and appreciating each moment now," he said.
"According to Annie, we've been really fortunate that the only real determination I made when I concluded playing was to devote as much period with the kids as possible. We won't recover those periods back."
Player Link
Professional sportspeople are disproportionately influenced by MND, with studies suggesting the incidence of the condition is up to sixfold higher than in the wider community.
It is believed that by limiting the air obtainable and producing damage to nerve cells, frequent, vigorous exercise can trigger the disease in those previously vulnerable.
Sports Playing Days
Moody, who gained 71 England selections and competed with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was dubbed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in honour of his brave, unwavering style to the game.
He participated through a stress fracture of his leg for a duration with Leicester and once caused a training-ground altercation with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he discarded a practice gear and commenced throwing himself into tackles.
After coming on as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup championship win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the rear of the set piece in the crucial phase of play, establishing a platform for scrum-half Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the victory-securing drop-goal.
Assistance Community
Moody has already told Johnson, who captained England to that championship, and a couple of other ex- team-mates about his condition, but the others will be learning his news with the remainder of public.
"There will be a moment when we'll need to lean on their support but, at the present, just having that kind of affection and acknowledgment that people are there is the crucial thing," he stated.
"This game is such a wonderful family.
"I said to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even should it ended now, I've appreciated all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with unbelievable people.
"When you get to consider your passion your career, it's one of the most significant privileges.
"To have done it for so extended a time with the groups that I did it with was a joy. And I know they will wish to support in every way they can and I anticipate having those discussions."
