Lewis Moody ‘overwhelmed’ by support since MND diagnosis

Moody discovered he had MND after noticing some weakness in his shoulder while training in the gym.

After physiotherapy failed to improve the problem, a series of scans showed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged.

Moody, who has two sons, aged 17 and 15, says dealing with the mental impact of his diagnosis has been harder than the physical effects so far.

“I have small symptoms in the hand and shoulder,” said Moody.

“The only real effect it has on you is in the back of your mind. It lingers.

“Trying to park that and focus on the every day. Getting the most joy that you physically can out of every day. Feeling that you have a purpose and applying yourself.”

MND can progress quickly and is incurable but treatment can slow deterioration.

Elite athletes are disproportionately affected by MND, with a study of Italian footballers suggesting the rate of the disease is up to six times higher than in the general population.

It is thought that by limiting the oxygen available and causing damage to motor neurone cells, regular, strenuous exercise can trigger the disease in those already genetically susceptible.