Lewis Moody speaking about being diagnosed with motor neurone disease
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Previous national team leader Lewis Moody has been encouraged to face motor neurone disease with "complete determination" by former team-mate and co-World Cup champion Will Greenwood.
The 47-year-old sportsman, learned he had the debilitating illness a fortnight back and has revealed to BBC Breakfast that he is finding it difficult to face the consequences of his diagnosis.
Rugby great Rob Burrow and Scotland and British and Irish Lions great Doddie Weir have both died from the disease in recent years.
"He's an incredible person that we cherish deeply," Greenwood, who shared the field with Moody for both England and Leicester, told a national sports program.
"It is just tragic news, because he is among the finest people. And I know there is no order to this stuff - life's unpredictable nature - but you root for the good guys."
"He possesses no malice, he is the most optimistic human you can possibly encounter... and then he had a talent during games to just turn a switch and be the most ferocious competitor."
"He will fight this with complete dedication."
The two players collaborated with their club and country
The club executive, the organization's leader at the club where Moody played extensively, securing multiple domestic championships and international successes over a decade and a half, also praised Moody as a person, as well as a player.
"The statistics, honors and achievements show the remarkable sportsman Lewis was, but that is just part of the picture," said Pinchen.
"Suddenly he could be showing off with the international prize and the following Friday he'd be in the ticket office where I worked, answering the phone to supporters if we were particularly swamped and assisting with sales."
"In character, his loyalty to the organization along with his kindness and enthusiasm was evident, which made him beloved among team-mates, staff and supporters alike."
"Consistently seeking to assist people, Lewis alongside his wife Annie have operated relentlessly through the their foundation, backing investigations of cerebral growths and supporting suffering relatives."
"He completely immersed himself. It was clearly shown by personal conduct. He would never ask somebody to do something he wouldn't do himself. He is utterly fearless."
Moody's extended interview on motor neurone disease
Connected themes
- English rugby organization
- International rugby side
- Rugby football
