Former England skipper Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet face the full consequences of the muscle-degenerating condition that claimed the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old athlete, who was part of the World Cup champion 2003 side and lifted multiple English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast 14 days after learning he has the condition.
"There's a certain confronting what lies ahead and being reluctant to really process that at the present time," he commented.
"It isn't that I fail to comprehend where it's going. We understand that. But there is definitely a hesitation to confront the future for now."
Moody, speaking with his wife Annie, says instead he feels "peaceful" as he directs his attention to his current welfare, his family and planning ahead for when the illness deteriorates.
"Perhaps that's trauma or maybe I handle situations in another way, and when I have the details, it's easier," he added.
First Indications
Moody discovered he had MND after noticing some lack of strength in his upper arm while working out in the gym.
After rehabilitation didn't help the problem, a number of scans revealed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been affected by MND.
"You receive this medical finding of MND and we're rightly extremely emotional about it, but it's rather peculiar because I think everything is fine," he added.
"I don't sense sick. I don't feel unwell
"My symptoms are very minor. I have a small amount of muscle wasting in the hand and the upper arm.
"I continue to be able to accomplishing anything and everything. And hopefully that will carry on for as long as is possible."
Condition Progression
MND can progress quickly.
According to the organization MND Association, the illness takes the lives of a one-third of people within a twelve months and over half within 24 months of detection, as ingestion and respiration become more difficult.
Therapy can only retard decline.
"It isn't ever me that I am upset for," added an affected Moody.
"It's the sadness around having to break the news to my mum - as an single child - and the consequences that has for her."
Family Consequences
Conversing from the household with his wife and their canine companion by his side, Moody was consumed with emotion when he mentioned telling his sons - teenage Dylan and adolescent Ethan - the heartbreaking news, saying: "That represented the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"These are two excellent boys and that was rather upsetting," Moody remarked.
"We were seated on the settee in crying, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog bounded over and started cleaning the moisture off our faces, which was rather amusing."
Moody explained the focus was being in the now.
"There is no cure and that is why you have to be very strongly directed on just welcoming and appreciating everything now," he commented.
"According to Annie, we've been very lucky that the primary determination I made when I retired from playing was to devote as much period with the kids as feasible. We won't recover those periods back."
Athlete Link
Elite competitors are disproportionately impacted by MND, with studies indicating the incidence of the disease is up to sixfold higher than in the broader public.
It is thought that by reducing the O2 accessible and creating injury to motor neurone cells, frequent, intense training can activate the condition in those inherently vulnerable.
Rugby Professional Life
Moody, who earned 71 England selections and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his playing career, in acknowledgment of his fearless, unwavering style to the game.
He competed through a bone injury of his leg for a period with Leicester and once initiated a workout confrontation with team-mate and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he abandoned a tackle pad and commenced engaging in physical contacts.
After entering as a substitute in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the end of the set piece in the crucial passage of play, establishing a foundation for playmaker Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to score the game-deciding drop-goal.
Backing System
Moody has previously notified Johnson, who skippered England to that victory, and a few other former team-mates about his condition, but the rest will be learning his news with the rest of public.
"We'll have a time when we'll need to depend on their assistance but, at the moment, just having that sort of love and acknowledgment that people are available is the crucial thing," he stated.
"The sport is such a wonderful family.
"I mentioned to the kids the other day, I've had an extraordinary life.
"Even when it finished now, I've enjoyed all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.
"When you get to consider your love your profession, it's one of the most significant honors.
"Having accomplished it for so extended a duration with the teams that I did it with was a joy. And I understand they will wish to help in whatever way they can and I anticipate having those discussions."
