Lewis Moody, the former England captain, will take on a fundraising cycle challenge to this year’s PREM Rugby final to raise funds to try and find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND).
Moody, now 47, confirmed he had been diagnosed with MND last October – becoming the latest ex-rugby player to do so after the likes of the late Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow and Ed Slater.
In June, Moody will be joined by a host of rugby stars – including his team-mates from the England team that won the 2003 World Cup – in cycling from Newcastle to Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (MNDF), which was set-up by Weir.
‘Since retiring from playing in 2012, I’ve taken on a fundraising challenge every year and I’m determined to do the same in 2026, despite living with MND,’ Moody said.
‘I don’t know how many more opportunities I’ll have to push myself in this way, which is why taking on this 500-mile cycling challenge now feels so important as I look to support the fight against the disease.
‘But this is about far more than the miles. Like so much of life, it’s about people – mates coming together, supporting each other, finding strength in camaraderie and really hoping we can make a difference.’
Lewis Moody confirmed the news of his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis last year
Moody will be taking on a charity cycle challenge to raise funds to fight the disease
Moody continued: ‘Above all, it’s about using that energy and the platform I’m fortunate to have, to make as big an impact as possible for everyone living with MND – raising vital funds for the MNDF, accelerating progress and helping drive the change and outcomes this community so urgently needs.
‘I want to do everything in my power to make a difference, building on the work of giants who have gone before me.’
MND is a life-shortening neurological disease which affects the nerves that control movement and leads to muscles deteriorating so they no longer work.
There is currently no cure for MND.
Over seven days in June, Moody will cycle 500 miles and lead the ‘Lewis XV’ as part of the Lewis Moody & Friends Cycle Challenge.
England’s 2003 hero Jonny Wilkinson will be among his fellow riders alongside Phil Vickery, Martin Corry, Mike Tindall, Ben Kay, Kenny Logan, Tom Croft, Geordan Murphy, Leon Lloyd, Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs, Lee Mears, Danny Care, Dan Hipkiss, Andy Gomarsall and Louis Deacon.
Moody’s teenage sons Dylan and Ethan will also take part.
Stop offs will include Leicester – Moody’s former team where he won seven PREM titles – his old school Oakham and Bracknell, where he started his rugby journey.
The final destination will be Twickenham on June 20th, where the group will ride into the home of English rugby and Moody will deliver the match ball for the PREM final.
To date, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has committed more than £23.5 million to MND research programmes and provided more than £2million in direct support to people living with the disease.
Its long-term vision is to one day find a cure for the disease.
Click here, for more information on the Lewis Moody & Friends Cycle Challenge.