Former England skipper Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet deal with the full consequences of the muscle-degenerating condition that claimed the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The middle-aged sportsman, who was a member of the 2003 championship side and won several English and European titles with Leicester, appeared on BBC Breakfast two weeks after discovering he has the disease.
"There's a certain confronting what lies ahead and not wanting to fully comprehend that at the moment," he stated.
"It isn't that I am unaware of where it's heading. We understand that. But there is definitely a hesitation to face what's ahead for now."
Moody, speaking with his wife Annie, explains rather he feels "calm" as he focuses on his immediate wellbeing, his family and getting ready for when the disease progresses.
"Possibly that's shock or maybe I handle situations in another way, and once I have the facts, it's more manageable," he added.
Initial Symptoms
Moody discovered he had MND after noticing some weakness in his shoulder area while training in the gym.
After physiotherapy was ineffective for the issue, a set of scans indicated nerves in his neurological system had been affected by MND.
"You're presented with this medical finding of MND and we're understandably quite affected about it, but it's quite odd because I think everything is fine," he continued.
"I don't feel ill. I don't experience poorly
"My symptoms are quite slight. I have some muscle wasting in the hand and the upper arm.
"I'm still capable of performing whatever I want. And with luck that will continue for as long as is possible."
Condition Development
MND can progress swiftly.
According to the organization MND Association, the illness claims a 33% of people within a twelve months and above half within two years of diagnosis, as eating and breathing become more difficult.
Treatment can only retard decline.
"It's not me that I experience sorrow for," commented an moved Moody.
"There's sorrow around having to break the news to my mum - as an single child - and the implications that has for her."
Household Consequences
Speaking from the residence with his wife and their canine companion by his side, Moody was consumed with sentiment when he spoke about breaking the news to his sons - 17-year-old Dylan and 15-year Ethan - the heartbreaking news, stating: "That represented the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"These are two brilliant boys and that was pretty heartbreaking," Moody said.
"We positioned ourselves on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog leapt across and started cleaning the moisture off our faces, which was somewhat funny."
Moody said the emphasis was being in the present.
"There is no solution and that is why you have to be extremely strongly directed on just welcoming and appreciating each moment now," he commented.
"As Annie said, we've been truly fortunate that the sole decision I made when I concluded playing was to devote as much period with the kids as possible. We won't recover those times back."
Player Connection
Elite competitors are disproportionately affected by MND, with investigations proposing the prevalence of the illness is up to 600% elevated than in the wider community.
It is considered that by restricting the air accessible and causing injury to motor neurone cells, frequent, strenuous physical activity can trigger the disease in those previously predisposed.
Rugby 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 professional days, in acknowledgment of his brave, unwavering style to the game.
He played through a stress fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once caused a training-ground altercation with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he discarded a practice gear and commenced participating in tackles.
After entering as a substitute in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the rear of the set piece in the critical phase of play, creating a foundation for half-back Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the match-winning drop kick.
Support Community
Moody has already notified Johnson, who captained England to that title, and a couple of other former team-mates about his diagnosis, but the rest will be learning his news with the rest of public.
"There shall be a moment when we'll need to lean on their backing but, at the moment, just having that sort of care and recognition that people are available is what's important," he commented.
"The sport is such a wonderful family.
"I said to the kids the other day, I've had an extraordinary life.
"Even should it concluded now, I've appreciated all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.
"When you have the opportunity to consider your enthusiasm your vocation, it's one of the most important privileges.
"To have done it for so considerable a time with the teams that I did it with was a delight. And I know they will wish to help in every way they can and I anticipate having those conversations."
