Lewis Moody Honors Doddie Weir with MND Fundraising Cycle Ride as Rugby Legends Unite in Fight Against Motor Neurone Disease

Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has announced a 500-mile, seven-day cycling challenge to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research, describing the effort as “picking up the baton” left by his friend and former Scotland international Doddie Weir.

Moody, who revealed his own MND diagnosis last October, will lead a team called “The Lewis XV” on a ride from Newcastle to Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, concluding on Saturday, June 20, 2026, ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final. The challenge begins on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Newcastle Red Bulls rugby club.

The former Leicester, Bath and British & Irish Lions forward will be joined by several of his 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning teammates, including Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall and Ben Kay, as well as his teenage sons, Dylan and Ethan. All proceeds from the ride will go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which was founded by Weir in 2017 and has raised over £23.5 million to date for MND research.

I’m really proud to be aligning my name with Doddie, who was a force of nature as a character.

Lewis Moody

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.

Lewis Moody

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.

Lewis Moody

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 – raising vital funds for the MNDF, accelerating progress, and helping drive the change and outcomes this community so urgently needs.

Lewis Moody

I want to do everything in my power to make a difference, building on the work of giants who have gone before me.

Lewis Moody

Doddie Weir, who died in November 2022 at the age of 52 after a six-year battle with MND, inspired widespread support for the cause through his openness about the illness and the work of his foundation. The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation continues to fund research into the disease, which results in six new diagnoses each day in the UK alone.

Moody’s announcement comes as part of a broader effort by former rugby players to raise awareness and funds for MND research, following the diagnoses of several high-profile athletes in recent years, including rugby league international Rob Burrow, who also died from the disease.

The cycling route will cover approximately 500 miles over seven days, with the final leg ending at Allianz Stadium where Moody is expected to present the match ball for the Gallagher Premiership Final. The initiative has been described as a continuation of Weir’s legacy in using sport to drive support for MND causes.