Ex- England captain Lewis Moody has revealed he has been found to have motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet deal with the full implications of the muscle-deteriorating condition that claimed the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old athlete, who was involved in the 2003 championship side and won several English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast two weeks after learning he has the condition.
"There's an element of looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the moment," he stated.
"It's not that I fail to comprehend where it's heading. We understand that. But there is definitely a hesitation to confront the future for now."
Moody, speaking with his wife Annie, states rather he feels "peaceful" as he directs his attention to his current welfare, his family and getting ready for when the condition progresses.
"Maybe that's trauma or perhaps I handle situations in another way, and when I have the facts, it's easier," he added.
Initial Signs
Moody learned he had MND after detecting some lack of strength in his upper arm while exercising in the gym.
After rehabilitation didn't help the problem, a series of scans indicated nerves in his neurological system had been damaged by MND.
"You're presented with this condition identification of MND and we're appropriately extremely moved about it, but it's quite odd because I feel like nothing's wrong," he remarked.
"I don't experience ill. I don't feel poorly
"The signs I have are quite slight. I have a bit of muscle deterioration in the hand area and the shoulder region.
"I'm still competent to accomplishing all activities. And optimistically that will carry on for as long as is attainable."
Disease Advancement
MND can advance swiftly.
According to the non-profit MND Association, the condition claims a third of people within a year and over half within 730 days of identification, as eating and breathing become more difficult.
Therapy can only retard worsening.
"It's never me that I am upset for," added an affected Moody.
"There's grief around having to tell my mum - as an single child - and the consequences that has for her."
Household Effect
Talking from the family home with his wife and their canine companion by his side, Moody was overcome with feeling when he spoke about telling his sons - 17-year Dylan and adolescent Ethan - the devastating news, stating: "This was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"They are two brilliant boys and that was rather heartbreaking," Moody stated.
"We were seated on the sofa in weeping, Ethan and Dylan both hugging in each other, then the dog jumped over and started cleaning the tears off our faces, which was quite funny."
Moody said the focus was remaining in the moment.
"There is no treatment and that is why you have to be very militantly concentrated on just welcoming and savoring all aspects now," he commented.
"As Annie said, we've been really blessed that the sole choice I made when I left playing was to devote as much period with the kids as possible. We won't recover those periods back."
Player Association
Elite competitors are excessively impacted by MND, with research proposing the rate of the condition is up to sixfold greater than in the wider community.
It is considered that by reducing the O2 obtainable and creating harm to nerve cells, regular, strenuous physical activity can activate the condition in those already predisposed.
Athletic Professional Life
Moody, who earned 71 England appearances and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in recognition of his courageous, persistent method to the game.
He participated through a stress fracture of his leg for a time with Leicester and once initiated a training-ground altercation with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, irritated, he left a tackle pad and commenced engaging in collisions.
After entering as a substitute in the Rugby World Cup final win over Australia in 2003, he claimed a ball at the end of the set piece in the crucial passage of play, establishing a foundation for scrum-half Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the victory-securing drop-goal.
Assistance Network
Moody has earlier notified Johnson, who skippered England to that title, and a few other former players about his condition, but the remaining individuals will be finding out his news with the rest of public.
"There will be a moment when we'll need to depend on their backing but, at the present, just having that sort of affection and acknowledgment that people are present is what's important," he commented.
"Rugby is such a great community.
"I mentioned to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even when it ended now, I've valued all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.
"When you have the opportunity to label your passion your career, it's one of the most significant honors.
"To have done it for so considerable a period with the squads that I did it with was a pleasure. And I am aware they will wish to assist in any way they can and I await having those discussions."
