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May
Lewis Moody coming to Ripon on MND cycling ride
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England World Cup winner Lewis Moody will be stopping at Ripon Rugby Club on his 500-mile cycle challenge next month.
Moody, 47, revealed last year he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, the muscle-wasting condition that killed fellow ruby players Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir.
The former England captain aims to ride from Newcastle to Twickenham over seven days to raise money for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which funds research to fight motor neurone disease.
Ripon Rugby Club revealed today Moody’s first stop will be at the club’s ground at Mallorie Park Drive on Sunday, June 14.
Club member Becky Naylor said:
We have been in touch with the organisers and they will now finish the day at Ripon Rugby Club. We’re organising a celebration and fundraising for when he arrives at the club.
Moody, who was part of England’s World Cup-winning side in 2003, will lead a team of former teammates, rugby legends, close friends, and family on his ride, which will stop at key places from his life and career.
He said:
Since retiring from playing in 2012, I’ve taken on a fundraising challenge every year, and I’m determined to do the same in 2026, despite living with MND. I don’t know how many more opportunities I’ll have to push myself in this way, which is why taking on this 500-mile cycling challenge now feels so important as I look to support the fight against the disease.
But this is about far more than the miles. Like so much of life, it’s about people - mates coming together, supporting each other, finding strength in camaraderie, and really hoping we can make a difference.
Nicola Roseman, chief executive at My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, said:
Lewis’s courage in taking on this challenge while living with MND is truly inspiring. He embodies the same spirit that Doddie showed every single day — a determination to use his platform to change the outlook for everyone affected by this devastating disease.
You can support the cycle ride here.
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