Ex- English skipper Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and admitted he cannot yet deal with the full ramifications of the muscle-deteriorating condition that ended the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old athlete, who was part of the World Cup champion 2003 side and won multiple English and European titles with Leicester, appeared on BBC Breakfast a fortnight after discovering he has the disease.
"There's a certain confronting what lies ahead and hesitating to completely absorb that at the minute," he said.
"It isn't that I am unaware of where it's going. We comprehend that. But there is absolutely a unwillingness to face what's ahead for now."
Moody, talking alongside his wife Annie, states instead he feels "at ease" as he focuses on his present health, his family and getting ready for when the disease worsens.
"Perhaps that's surprise or possibly I handle situations in another way, and once I have the facts, it's simpler," he continued.
Early Indications
Moody learned he had MND after noticing some lack of strength in his shoulder while working out in the gym.
After physical therapy was ineffective for the condition, a number of scans indicated nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been affected by MND.
"You're presented with this medical finding of MND and we're understandably extremely emotional about it, but it's quite odd because I feel like I'm perfectly healthy," he continued.
"I don't sense ill. I don't experience sick
"My indications are quite slight. I have a small amount of muscle loss in the fingers and the shoulder region.
"I'm still competent to performing all activities. And with luck that will continue for as long as is attainable."
Condition Advancement
MND can progress swiftly.
According to the organization MND Association, the disease claims a one-third of people within a 365 days and over half within 730 days of identification, as swallowing and inhalation become harder.
Medical care can only retard deterioration.
"It's not me that I feel sad for," added an moved Moody.
"It's about the grief around having to break the news to my mum - as an sole offspring - and the consequences that has for her."
Household Effect
Conversing from the residence with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was overcome with emotion when he discussed informing his sons - 17-year Dylan and 15-year Ethan - the heartbreaking news, stating: "This was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"They are two wonderful boys and that was rather devastating," Moody said.
"We sat on the settee in tears, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog bounded over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather funny."
Moody stated the priority was being in the present.
"There is no cure and that is why you have to be extremely intensely focused on just accepting and savoring everything now," he said.
"According to Annie, we've been truly lucky that the sole decision I made when I retired from playing was to devote as much period with the kids as attainable. We can't reclaim those years back."
Sportsman Link
Professional competitors are disproportionately influenced by MND, with studies indicating the incidence of the disease is up to sixfold higher than in the general population.
It is considered that by limiting the oxygen obtainable and producing injury to nerve cells, consistent, intense exercise can activate the condition in those previously predisposed.
Rugby Professional Life
Moody, who gained 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 method to the game.
He competed through a fracture of his leg for a time with Leicester and once caused a practice scuffle with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, irritated, he discarded a practice gear and began participating in tackles.
After entering as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup championship win over Australia in 2003, he claimed a ball at the end of the throw-in in the critical passage of play, creating a foundation for playmaker Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the match-winning drop kick.
Support Network
Moody has earlier notified Johnson, who skippered England to that title, and a couple of other ex- colleagues about his diagnosis, but the rest will be discovering his news with the remainder of public.
"We'll have a time when we'll need to lean on their support but, at the present, just having that sort of love and acknowledgment that people are available is all that matters," he stated.
"This game is such a excellent community.
"I told to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even if it concluded now, I've valued all of it and welcomed all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.
"When you get to consider your enthusiasm your profession, it's one of the most significant privileges.
"Having accomplished it for so extended a period with the squads that I did it with was a pleasure. And I know they will wish to support in any way they can and I anticipate having those discussions."
