Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has completed stage five of his 500-mile charity cycling challenge raising awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), reaching Bath after a demanding ride from Worcester Warriors via Gloucester Rugby.
He described the experience as being in the “pain zone”, saying the physical and emotional strain felt like “riding through an emotional tidal wave”. Despite the challenge, Moody said the effort reinforced his commitment to supporting families affected by MND and honouring former teammates and campaigners who have raised awareness of the disease.
The fifth stage formed part of a seven-day journey from Newcastle to Twickenham, with Moody passing through all five of his former clubs along the route. The final stage is scheduled to conclude at Twickenham on Saturday, where he is expected to complete the full challenge.
Moody, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in September last year, said the ride has given him a platform to amplify the cause. He paid tribute to fellow advocates including Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield, saying his role is to continue their work and keep attention on the condition.
“When you’re put in places of adversity, you feel most alive,” he said, adding that the experience had been both physically punishing and deeply meaningful.
The former England World Cup winner in 2003 is also set to hand over the match ball ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Cup final between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs.
Moody’s challenge has drawn widespread support from across the rugby community and MND charities, with fundraising efforts continuing to grow as he approaches the final leg of the journey. Organisers say the ride aims to highlight the urgent need for research funding and improved care for patients living with Motor Neurone Disease across the UK moving forward as well.