Former England rugby union captain Lewis Moody completed a seven-day, 500-mile charity bike ride from Newcastle to Twickenham to raise awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND). Moody, 48, who was diagnosed with the neurological condition last year, finished the ride yesterday and celebrated with fellow cyclists at the Allianz Stadium ahead of the Premiership final between Northampton Town and Exeter Chiefs.

The 2003 Rugby World Cup winner took on the challenge not only to support MND research and care but also to draw attention to the devastating impact of the disease. MND affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness and loss of motor function.

Moody, a former Leicester Tigers player and father of two, cited his personal experience living with the disease as motivation for the ride. Reflecting on the journey, he said that adversity often brings a heightened sense of aliveness and fulfillment.

The former captain has a close connection to the MND community, having been friends with Leeds Rhinos rugby league star Rob Burrow, who succumbed to the disease at age 41 in 2024. Burrow’s former teammate Kevin Sinfield has since raised over £11 million in his memory to support MND causes.

MND has also affected other notable rugby figures, including Scotland international Doddie Weir, who was diagnosed in 2016. Weir’s charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, raised more than £8 million before his death in 2022 at the age of 52.

Moody’s completion of the extensive ride underscores ongoing efforts within the sports community to combat MND through fundraising and increased public awareness.