Former English captain Lewis Moody has announced he has been identified with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet deal with the full consequences of the muscle-deteriorating condition that ended the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The middle-aged sportsman, who was part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and lifted multiple English and European titles with Leicester, appeared on BBC Breakfast 14 days after discovering he has the illness.
"There's a certain facing the future and hesitating to really process that at the minute," he stated.
"It isn't that I am unaware of where it's going. We understand that. But there is absolutely a hesitation to confront the future for now."
Moody, talking with his wife Annie, states conversely he feels "peaceful" as he directs his attention to his immediate wellbeing, his family and making preparations for when the condition deteriorates.
"Possibly that's surprise or maybe I handle situations uniquely, and after I have the details, it's simpler," he added.
Early Symptoms
Moody found out he had MND after noticing some weakness in his upper arm while working out in the gym.
After physical therapy was ineffective for the issue, a series of scans revealed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.
"You're presented with this medical finding of MND and we're appropriately extremely affected about it, but it's quite odd because I feel like nothing's wrong," he continued.
"I don't sense sick. I don't feel unwell
"The signs I have are very minor. I have a small amount of muscle deterioration in the fingers and the shoulder region.
"I remain capable of accomplishing all activities. And optimistically that will continue for as long as is feasible."
Disease Development
MND can advance swiftly.
As per the organization MND Association, the disease kills a third of people within a 365 days and more than half within two years of identification, as ingestion and respiration become more difficult.
Therapy can only delay decline.
"It's never me that I experience sorrow for," added an moved Moody.
"It's the sadness around having to inform my mum - as an only child - and the consequences that has for her."
Household Consequences
Talking from the family home 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 adolescent Ethan - the heartbreaking news, stating: "This was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"These are two excellent boys and that was quite devastating," Moody remarked.
"We were seated on the couch in crying, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog jumped over and commenced licking the moisture off our faces, which was rather amusing."
Moody stated the emphasis was staying in the moment.
"We have no solution and that is why you have to be so intensely focused on just embracing and appreciating everything now," he stated.
"According to Annie, we've been very lucky that the primary decision I made when I concluded playing was to devote as much duration with the kids as attainable. We don't get those years back."
Sportsman Link
Elite athletes are excessively impacted by MND, with research suggesting the rate of the disease is up to six times greater than in the general population.
It is considered that by limiting the O2 accessible and producing harm to nerve cells, frequent, strenuous exercise can initiate the condition in those inherently predisposed.
Sports Professional Life
Moody, who won 71 England caps 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, persistent style to the game.
He participated through a bone injury of his leg for a duration with Leicester and once caused a workout altercation with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he discarded a training equipment and commenced participating in physical contacts.
After coming on as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup championship win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the back of the line-out in the critical passage of play, creating a platform for half-back Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the game-deciding drop-goal.
Backing Community
Moody has previously informed Johnson, who captained England to that championship, and a handful of other ex- colleagues about his condition, but the remaining individuals will be learning his news with the broader public.
"There shall be a time when we'll need to rely on their assistance but, at the moment, just having that kind of care and recognition that people are present is all that matters," he said.
"Rugby is such a great group.
"I mentioned to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even should it finished now, I've enjoyed all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with unbelievable people.
"When you get to label your love your career, it's one of the greatest privileges.
"To have done it for so extended a duration with the squads that I did it with was a pleasure. And I am aware they will desire to help in every way they can and I look forward to having those talks."
