Former England leader Lewis Moody has revealed he has been identified with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet deal with the full ramifications of the muscle-degenerating condition that ended the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The middle-aged sportsman, who was part of the 2003 championship side and won multiple English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast 14 days after finding out he has the illness.
"There's something about facing the future and not wanting to really process that at the minute," he stated.
"This doesn't mean I am unaware of where it's progressing. We understand that. But there is certainly a reluctance to face what's ahead for now."
Moody, conversing together with his wife Annie, says rather he feels "at ease" as he focuses on his current welfare, his family and making preparations for when the disease worsens.
"Maybe that's shock or perhaps I deal with matters in another way, and once I have the facts, it's easier," he stated further.
First Signs
Moody discovered he had MND after detecting some lack of strength in his upper arm while working out in the gym.
After rehabilitation didn't help the condition, a series of scans showed nerve cells in his neurological system had been damaged by MND.
"You're presented with this condition identification of MND and we're appropriately extremely emotional about it, but it's rather peculiar because I sense that nothing's wrong," he added.
"I don't feel sick. I don't experience poorly
"My symptoms are quite slight. I have some muscle deterioration in the hand area and the shoulder.
"I continue to be competent to performing whatever I want. And optimistically that will continue for as long as is possible."
Disease Advancement
MND can develop swiftly.
Based on the non-profit MND Association, the illness kills a one-third of people within a year and above half within 730 days of diagnosis, as eating and inhalation become increasingly challenging.
Medical care can only slow decline.
"It isn't ever me that I am upset for," added an affected Moody.
"There's sadness around having to inform my mum - as an only child - and the implications that has for her."
Family Consequences
Conversing from the household with his wife and their pet dog by his side, Moody was overcome with sentiment when he mentioned breaking the news to his sons - 17-year-old Dylan and 15-year Ethan - the heartbreaking news, stating: "That represented the hardest thing I've ever had to do."
"They are two wonderful boys and that was pretty heartbreaking," Moody stated.
"We were seated on the couch in crying, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog jumped over and commenced removing the moisture off our faces, which was quite funny."
Moody explained the focus was staying in the now.
"There exists no cure and that is why you have to be very militantly focused on just embracing and savoring everything now," he commented.
"According to Annie, we've been very lucky that the primary determination I made when I left playing was to allocate as much time with the kids as attainable. We can't reclaim those times back."
Sportsman Association
Professional athletes are excessively impacted by MND, with studies indicating the rate of the condition is up to 600% higher than in the wider community.
It is thought that by reducing the air obtainable and producing damage to neural pathways, consistent, vigorous exercise can trigger the disease in those previously predisposed.
Sports Playing Days
Moody, who won 71 England selections and competed with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in honour of his courageous, unwavering style to the game.
He participated through a bone injury of his leg for a time with Leicester and once initiated a training-ground scuffle with fellow player and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he discarded a practice gear and started engaging in physical contacts.
After entering as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup final win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the back of the set piece in the crucial passage of play, creating a base for half-back Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the match-winning drop kick.
Assistance System
Moody has already informed Johnson, who led England to that victory, and a handful of other former team-mates about his diagnosis, but the others will be finding out his news with the rest of public.
"We'll have a period when we'll need to lean on their support but, at the present, just having that type of love and acknowledgment that people are available is what's important," he commented.
"This game is such a great family.
"I told to the kids the other day, I've had an extraordinary life.
"Even should it ended now, I've enjoyed all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.
"Being able to call your enthusiasm your vocation, it's one of the greatest privileges.
"To have done it for so extended a period with the teams that I did it with was a joy. And I am aware they will wish to assist in whatever way they can and I look forward to having those talks."
