Former English captain Lewis Moody has announced he has been identified with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet face the full ramifications of the muscle-deteriorating condition that took the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The middle-aged sportsman, who was involved in the 2003 championship side and lifted numerous English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast 14 days after finding out he has the disease.
"There's a certain facing the future and being reluctant to completely absorb that at the present time," he stated.
"It isn't that I am unaware of where it's going. We grasp that. But there is certainly a unwillingness to face what's ahead for now."
Moody, conversing with his wife Annie, explains rather he feels "calm" as he concentrates on his present wellbeing, his family and getting ready for when the illness worsens.
"Maybe that's surprise or possibly I process things in another way, and once I have the details, it's simpler," he continued.
Early Signs
Moody learned he had MND after noticing some weakness in his shoulder area while working out in the gym.
After physiotherapy was ineffective for the problem, a number of scans showed nerves in his neurological system had been damaged by MND.
"You're presented with this diagnosis of MND and we're appropriately extremely moved about it, but it's quite odd because I think everything is fine," he remarked.
"I don't feel ill. I don't sense unwell
"My indications are quite slight. I have some muscle deterioration in the fingers and the upper arm.
"I continue to be competent to accomplishing all activities. And with luck that will persist for as long as is possible."
Condition Advancement
MND can progress rapidly.
According to the non-profit MND Association, the disease claims a one-third of people within a year and more than half within two years of diagnosis, as ingestion and inhalation become more difficult.
Therapy can only retard deterioration.
"It's never me that I feel sad for," commented an affected Moody.
"There's sorrow around having to break the news to my mum - as an only child - and the ramifications that has for her."
Family Effect
Speaking from the family home with his wife and their pet dog by his side, Moody was overcome with feeling when he discussed informing his sons - 17-year Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the devastating news, stating: "It was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"These are two brilliant boys and that was rather devastating," Moody said.
"We positioned ourselves on the settee in crying, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog bounded over and began licking the moisture off our faces, which was somewhat silly."
Moody explained the focus was remaining in the now.
"There exists no solution and that is why you have to be extremely strongly concentrated on just welcoming and savoring each moment now," he commented.
"According to Annie, we've been very fortunate that the only real decision I made when I left playing was to allocate as much duration with the kids as possible. We won't recover those times back."
Sportsman Association
Professional sportspeople are disproportionately influenced by MND, with studies suggesting the incidence of the illness is up to six times higher than in the broader public.
It is believed that by reducing the oxygen available and causing injury to motor neurone cells, frequent, intense exercise can trigger the condition in those previously vulnerable.
Sports Playing Days
Moody, who won 71 England selections and competed with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was dubbed 'Mad Dog' during his playing career, in honour of his fearless, relentless style to the game.
He competed through a stress fracture of his leg for a time with Leicester and once sparked a practice scuffle with team-mate and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he discarded a practice gear and commenced participating in tackles.
After entering as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the end of the line-out in the decisive phase of play, establishing a base for playmaker Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the victory-securing drop-goal.
Support Network
Moody has earlier notified Johnson, who captained England to that victory, and a couple of other previous players about his condition, but the rest will be discovering his news with the remainder of public.
"There shall be a period when we'll need to rely on their assistance but, at the minute, just having that sort of love and acknowledgment that people are available is the crucial thing," he commented.
"This game is such a wonderful community.
"I mentioned to the kids the other day, I've had an amazing life.
"Even when it finished now, I've appreciated all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.
"Being able to consider your passion your profession, it's one of the greatest honors.
"Achieving this for so long a duration with the groups that I did it with was a joy. And I understand they will desire to support in every way they can and I anticipate having those talks."
