Lewis Moody says ‘inspiration’ Kevin Sinfield proves people ‘can do outstanding issues’
Lewis Moody said his fund-raising ‘inspiration’ Kevin Sinfield had proved if the ’cause is strong enough’ humans ‘can do remarkable things’.
The England rugby World Cup winner, who is battling motor neurone disease, said ‘People’s Knight’ Kevin had raised £11m to help find a cure because he had an ’emotional, physical’ and ‘spiritual’ connection to the cause.
Kevin has run seven ultra-marathons in seven days for the past six years to help conquer the debilitating condition since his late Great Britain and Leeds Rhinos team mate Rob Burrows was diagnosed in 2019. Pictures of him carrying Rob over the finish line of the 2023 Leeds Marathon captured the nation’s hearts.
His latest 200-mile slog in December raised £1.5m and led to 100,000 people – including darts world champion Luke Littler – joining a Daily Star campaign calling for the now-England rugby union skills and kicking coach to get a knighthood. Kevin, 45, is already planning a seventh mammoth trek later this year to match the No7 Rob wore on his shirts before his death in 2024 aged 41.
Lewis, 47, said Kevin was one of the first people he contacted when he got his own ‘devastating’ diagnosis six months ago. “He’s a remarkable human, isn’t he? He was one of the first people I spoke to around this to get some understanding,” said Lewis.
“Their experiences and the advice that they gave me early on was hugely important and has very much helped me to get to the point where we are today. In terms of Kev as an inspiration I think he’s just a great example of when, as humans, we put our mind to something and if the cause is strong enough and the connection to it, whether it’s emotional, physical or spiritual, we can do remarkable things.
“He’s been fantastic at elevating the noise in this space around MND. I certainly won’t be doing any mega-marathons anymore but people like that are inspirational to motivate you to want to do other things. Kev is certainly an inspiration.”
In June Lewis and 15 rugby pals – including Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall and TV sports host Gabby Logan’s husband Kenny – are doing a 500-mile bike ride across Britain to raise funds to find a cure for the degenerative nerve condition which causes muscle weakness, stiffness and paralysis. Though he said his health was ‘good at the moment’ he admitted he had brought the challenge forward so he will be well enough to take part.
“The only sort of significant noticeable change is still in my hand and the shoulder strength is diminished as it was but not significantly reduced since diagnosis,” he said.
“Without a shadow of a doubt the hardest thing is noticing the little things. The other day I noticed a slight difference in my finger strength whether it was opening a bottle top, holding a fork, cutting your food.
“Those little things mentally are a challenge when they present themselves but I think within a day you can move past it – just focus on function, the things I can do rather than the things I’m less able to. But at the minute everything still remains slow so hopefully that will continue.
“I don’t know how many more opportunities I’ll have to push myself in this way. 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.
“Above all it’s about using that energy and the platform I’m fortunate to have to make as big an impact as possible for everyone living with MND. I want to do everything in my power to make a difference, building on the work of giants who have gone before me.”
Nicola Roseman, chief executive officer of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation which is coordinating the charity ride, said Lewis’s ‘courage’ in taking on his own challenge ‘while living with MND’ was ‘testament to him’. She said he had refused to ‘let the diagnosis define’ him and was determined to use his ‘platform to change the outlook for everyone affected by this disease’.
Jon Dutton, chief executive officer of British Cycling, said: “We’re very proud when people who have achieved as much as Lewis choose cycling as a means of delivering social impact and I’m sure that he, his family and fellow riders will find the journey every bit as remarkable as it is challenging. As a society we must do more to tackle MND.
“It’s a cause close to my heart having previously supported the incredible Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield in the rugby league community. I have no doubt this effort from Lewis will prove an inspiration to those living with MND and many people across the UK.”
For more information about Lewis’s fundraising effort visit https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle and https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/ .
To donate to Kevin Sinfield’s 7 in 7 Together visit https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/kevin-sinfield-7-in-7-together-challenge
