The son of Lewis Moody has shared an emotional post after his ‘hero’ dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Former England rugby captain Moody tragically revealed earlier in the month that he had been diagnosed with MND, the muscle-wasting condition that killed fellow rugby players Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir.
Moody, 47, only learnt he had the disease in September and said he was struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking news.
A member of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning team, Moody said the hardest part was breaking the news to his mum and two sons.
‘It’s never me that I feel sad for,’ Moody said in an emotional interview with BBC Sport.
‘It’s the sadness around having to tell my mum – as an only child – and the implications that has for her.’
Recalling the moment he told his sons – 17-year-old Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan – the devastating news, Moody added: ‘It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
‘They are two brilliant boys and that was pretty heartbreaking. We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather sweet.’
Since going public with the news, Leicester Tigers legend Moody has supported his eldest son Dylan, who plays as a goalkeeper for England U18.
Dylan has been busy representing his country at youth level in recent weeks but ‘took a moment’ to pay tribute to his ‘hero’ dad in the wake of his MND diagnosis.
‘I just want to take a moment to talk about my dad,’ he posted on Instagram. ‘These past weeks have been tough for us all but there has been an insane amount of love sent from all over the world for dad, the strongest man I know!
‘For as long as I can remember he has always, and will always be my hero. Guiding me through challenges I have faced, making me laugh the loudest and smile the widest with the same story’s over and over.
‘But most of all always loving and supporting me though life, and at games near or far.
‘To everyone that knows my dad knows he is the most loving, energetic and caring man that fills rooms with love, and makes everyone smile. always looking out for others before himself, a true gentleman, like his father before him.
‘As many of you know, dad was nick named “mad dog” during his playing career on the pitch and I’m told it’s because of the hunger and the sheer determination to fight for every win no matter the price.
‘And he will, fight.
‘As his next challenge begins against this horrible disease but with the love and support of all our friends and family, and those close to him, he will face it head on with his shoulders back and his chest out high like always.
‘I love you, you’ve got this dad.’
Proud dad Lewis responded: ‘No words bud, just love.
‘I couldn’t be prouder reading this. you are just awesome, and now you made me cry, again!’
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