Former England captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Lewis Moody led a peloton of rugby legends to Stroud RFC today as part of an extraordinary seven-day, 500-mile cycling challenge raising funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research.
The challenge, which will culminate in the delivery of the match ball for this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs, has brought together some of the biggest names in rugby in support of the fight against MND.
Day four of the ride saw participants depart from Worcester Warriors before travelling to Kingsholm Stadium, home of Gloucester Rugby, and continuing via Stroud RFC’s Fromehall Park before finishing at Bath Rugby Club.
Faye Hatcher spoke to former Scotland international Kenny Logan, husband of renowned sports broadcaster Gabby Logan, who was among the rugby legends who took to the saddle. Watch Faye speak to Kenny in our video below.
Moody, who publicly revealed his own MND diagnosis last year, is being supported throughout the journey by family, friends and former teammates. Joining him on the ride are fellow Rugby World Cup winners Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson and Andy Gomarsall, alongside former England internationals Lee Mears Martin Corry, Tom Croft, Ben Kay, Joe Worsley and Ben Youngs.
The challenge carries particular personal significance for Moody, whose wife Annie and sons Dylan and Ethan are accompanying him throughout the week. Members of the Weir family, including Kathy Weir and son Hamish, are also taking part in sections of the route.
Funds raised from the event will support My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the charity established by the late Doddie Weir following his MND diagnosis in 2017. Since its inception, the foundation has committed more than £23.5 million to research aimed at developing effective treatments and ultimately finding a cure for MND.
The cycling challenge highlights the rugby community’s continued commitment to supporting those affected by MND while raising awareness and vital funding for ongoing research efforts.
For more on the ride, and to donate, visit lewismoodyxv-cyclechallenge.com or myname5doddie.com .
Swipe through our gallery of pictures by Paul Nicholls below
