Lewis Moody Completes West Country Leg of 500-Mile MND Awareness Cycle Challenge

Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has advanced through the West Country leg of his 500-mile charity cycle ride, passing through Gloucester and Bath to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) following his own diagnosis. The 48-year-old is cycling from Newcastle to Twickenham via all five of his former clubs, with prominent rugby figures including Bath and former England hooker Lee Mears and former Bath lock Danny Grewcock joining him along the route. Moody stated he remains "a little bit tired" overall, though his body is "coping well" with the physical demands of the challenge.

The Route and Milestone

Moody's journey spans 804 kilometres (500 miles) and takes him through locations connected to his playing career. During the fifth stage of the challenge, he travelled from Worcester through Gloucester Rugby's Kingsholm ground before reaching Bath RFC. His route culminates in Twickenham, where he intends to present the rugby ball for this season's Premiership Grand Final on Saturday, combining his fundraising effort with a ceremonial role at English rugby's showpiece event.

The former flanker has assembled what he describes as a "bonkers group of people" to accompany him on daily stages. Former Gloucester and England scrum half Andy Gomersall completed the Worcester-to-Bath leg, covering 119 kilometres in a single day. Former England captain Martin Corry participated in the rides, describing the experience as "tough" both physically and emotionally.

Living with Motor Neurone Disease

MND is a progressive neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, with consequences ranging from impaired speech and mobility to respiratory complications. Moody confirmed his diagnosis publicly last year and has continued his involvement in rugby despite the condition's demands. He acknowledged that fatigue and weakness in his right arm present daily challenges, yet emphasized he feels "very lucky" that these symptoms have not prevented him from undertaking the extended physical effort.

The day-to-day demands of cycling have tested Moody's resilience. He reflected on the difficulty of "getting up every morning, getting on the bike and getting through it daily," while highlighting the role of rotating support from former players in maintaining morale and momentum throughout the challenge.