Lewis Moody said moments like witnessing the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl win ‘have taken on an even greater meaning’ following his motor neurone disease diagnosis.
The 2003 World Cup winner and former Leicester, Bath and England flanker shocked the rugby world in October last year when he confirmed the news.
Since then, Moody has been inundated with support.
On Sunday evening, the 47-year-old fulfilled a lifelong dream to watch NFL’s biggest game live when he was at Levi’s Stadium to see the Seahawks down New England Patriots.
Moody is a big American Football fan and was in California with his wife Annie.
Moody told Daily Mail Sport: ‘Annie and I are incredibly grateful to the NFL for giving us this unforgettable Super Bowl experience. Since my MND diagnosis, moments like these have taken on even greater meaning.
Lewis Moody said moments like witnessing the Super Bowl ‘have taken on an even greater meaning’ following his motor neurone disease diagnosis
‘To witness such an iconic sporting event together, surrounded by the incredible atmosphere and passion of a sport I love to follow, was truly special even if my beloved (Chicago) Bears didn’t quite make it!’
MND is a life-shortening neurological disease which affects the nerves that control movement and leads to muscles deteriorating so they no longer work. There is currently no cure for the disease.
Other rugby players from both league and union to have been diagnosed with MND include Joost van der Westhuizen, Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Ed Slater.
Cruelly, Van der Westhuizen, Weir and Burrow all passed away as a result of the disease.
‘The generosity and thoughtfulness shown by everyone at the NFL, Mike Tindall and all those whose kindness made this possible has given us a memory we’ll treasure forever,’ Moody added.
‘Life with MND presents challenges, but experiences like this remind us to embrace every opportunity and live fully in the present.
‘I hope that by sharing our story, we can continue to raise awareness of the disease and the urgent need for more research, collaboration and support for those affected by it.’
