England World Cup winner Kyran Bracken has made a heartfelt contribution to help his former teammate Lewis Moody.
The ex-rugby star has donated £15,000 to a fundraiser supporting Moody, who is bravely facing a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND).
The rugby community has shown immense solidarity since Moody revealed his condition in early October, with fans, friends, and fellow players rallying to offer support.
A Rugby Legend Faces a Tough Battle
Lewis Moody, 47, enjoyed an illustrious rugby career with Leicester, Bath, England, and the British & Irish Lions.
He captained England and was a key figure in the 2003 World Cup-winning squad under Sir Clive Woodward.
Known for his fearless tackling and relentless spirit, Moody earned 71 England caps and featured in all three Tests during the 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand.
Now, the rugby great faces an unexpected challenge off the pitch.
MND is a degenerative neurological disease that gradually affects movement, leaving muscles unable to function, and currently has no cure.
The Fundraiser Rallying Around Moody
In response to Moody’s diagnosis, close friend Geordan Murphy launched a fundraiser aiming to raise £280,000 to support him and his family.
So far, nearly £250,000 has been contributed, with Bracken’s generous £15,000 donation helping bring the goal closer to reality.
The fundraiser page shares a heartfelt message:
“Our great friend, Lewis Moody, has announced that he is living with Motor Neurone Disease.
Our immediate love and support goes out to Lewis, his wife Annie and their two fantastic sons.
Lewis is simply the most kind and inspirational person, known for all he achieved on the rugby pitch and his charitable work raising over £2million through The Lewis Moody Foundation to fight brain tumours.”
A Personal and Emotional Revelation
Moody shared the heartbreaking moment he told his sons, Dylan and Ethan, about his diagnosis. Speaking to the BBC, he admitted:
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
They are brilliant boys, and that was pretty heartbreaking.
We sat on the couch in tears, then the dog jumped over and started licking our tears away, which was rather sweet.”
Despite the emotional impact, Moody remains remarkably positive about his daily life.
He says his current symptoms are minor, with slight muscle wasting in his hand and shoulder, and he continues to live actively and independently.
The Broader Context of MND in Rugby
Tragically, Moody is not the first rugby player to face MND.
Legends like Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Joost van der Westhuizen have battled the disease, with some passing away in recent years.
Ed Slater, another former Leicester and Gloucester player, has also received the same terminal diagnosis.
Moody reflected on the shock of the news:
“There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to process it yet.
Once I have the information, it’s easier. The diagnosis is emotional, but strangely, I feel fine.
My symptoms are minor, and I hope that continues as long as possible.”
The Rugby Community Stands United
From Bracken’s donation to fans and fellow players sending messages of love, the rugby world has shown unwavering support.
Moody’s journey highlights both the fragility of life and the strength of community, as everyone from former teammates to strangers rally to help a national hero face one of life’s toughest challenges.
The fundraiser continues, aiming to give Moody and his family the resources, love, and support they need during this difficult time.
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