Ex- English skipper Lewis Moody has announced he has been found to have motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet deal with the full ramifications of the muscle-degenerating condition that claimed the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The middle-aged sportsman, who was involved in the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and lifted several English and European titles with Leicester, gave an interview to BBC Breakfast 14 days after learning he has the illness.
"There's an element of facing the future and hesitating to really process that at the moment," he commented.
"This doesn't mean I fail to comprehend where it's progressing. We grasp that. But there is absolutely a unwillingness to confront the future for now."
Moody, conversing with his wife Annie, explains rather he feels "calm" as he directs his attention to his immediate wellbeing, his family and planning ahead for when the illness progresses.
"Maybe that's surprise or perhaps I deal with matters in another way, and once I have the information, it's easier," he added.
Initial Signs
Moody discovered he had MND after detecting some lack of strength in his shoulder while working out in the gym.
After physical therapy didn't help the issue, a set of scans revealed nerve cells in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.
"You're presented with this diagnosis of MND and we're appropriately extremely moved about it, but it's quite odd because I sense that nothing's wrong," he continued.
"I don't sense ill. I don't sense unwell
"My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle deterioration in the hand and the shoulder region.
"I'm still competent to performing anything and everything. And hopefully that will carry on for as long as is attainable."
Disease Development
MND can progress swiftly.
According to the charity MND Association, the disease kills a one-third of people within a 365 days and above half within 730 days of identification, as swallowing and respiration become increasingly challenging.
Therapy can only slow deterioration.
"It's never me that I experience sorrow for," added an emotional Moody.
"It's about the sorrow around having to inform my mum - as an only child - and the ramifications that has for her."
Household Consequences
Conversing from the residence with his wife and their pet dog by his side, Moody was overcome with emotion when he spoke about telling his sons - 17-year Dylan and 15-year Ethan - the traumatic news, stating: "This was the toughest thing I've ever had to do."
"They're two wonderful boys and that was pretty heartbreaking," Moody stated.
"We positioned ourselves on the sofa in weeping, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog bounded over and commenced licking the moisture off our faces, which was somewhat funny."
Moody explained the emphasis was staying in the moment.
"There is no solution and that is why you have to be extremely intensely directed on just accepting and appreciating each moment now," he commented.
"As Annie said, we've been truly fortunate that the primary decision I made when I concluded playing was to spend as much period with the kids as attainable. We won't recover those periods back."
Sportsman Link
Professional competitors are excessively influenced by MND, with studies suggesting the incidence of the condition is up to 600% higher than in the broader public.
It is believed that by limiting the O2 obtainable and causing harm to nerve cells, frequent, intense physical activity can activate the disease in those previously predisposed.
Athletic Playing Days
Moody, who won 71 England caps and competed with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his playing career, in acknowledgment of his brave, persistent method to the game.
He participated through a fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once sparked a training-ground scuffle with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he abandoned a tackle pad and started throwing himself into collisions.
After entering as a substitute in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the rear of the line-out in the critical passage of play, creating a base for playmaker Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to score the match-winning drop-goal.
Backing Network
Moody has earlier informed Johnson, who captained England to that victory, and a handful of other ex- players about his medical situation, but the others will be finding out his news with the broader public.
"There shall be a time when we'll need to lean on their support but, at the present, just having that type of affection and acceptance that people are available is the crucial thing," he said.
"This game is such a excellent community.
"I said to the kids the other day, I've had an extraordinary life.
"Even should it concluded now, I've enjoyed all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.
"Being able to consider your love your vocation, it's one of the most significant privileges.
"To have done it for so considerable a time with the teams that I did it with was a delight. And I understand they will want to assist in whatever way they can and I anticipate having those discussions."
