Other rugby stars, family and friends will join him on the journey this June.
Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody will undertake a 500-mile, seven-day cycling challenge this summer to raise money for research into motor neurone disease.
The 2003 World Cup winner, who last autumn revealed he had been diagnosed with the disease, will carry out the challenge in aid of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (MNDF) which was founded by the late Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir.
Moody will be joined by a group of rugby stars and close friends and family on the cycle.
The Lewis XV’s challenge will begin on Sunday June 14 at the northern-most PREM Rugby club, Newcastle Red Bulls, and will end at the Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) on Saturday June 20 to deliver the match ball for the Gallagher PREM Rugby Final.
Weir died in November 2022 aged 52 after a six-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
He founded the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in 2017 to fund research into the condition.
Moody 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.
“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.
“I want to do everything in my power to make a difference, building on the work of giants who have gone before me.”
Those taking part in the ride will include Phil Vickery, Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Corry, Mike Tindall, Ben Kay, Kenny Logan, Tom Croft, Geordan Murphy, Leon Lloyd, Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs, Lee Mears, Danny Care, Dan Hipkiss, Andy Gomarsall and Louis Deacon.
Moody’s teenage sons Dylan and Ethan also plan to take part in the challenge.
Nicola Roseman, chief executive of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We are incredibly proud that Lewis has chosen to support My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. His courage in taking on this challenge while living with MND is testament to him.
“Lewis embodies the same spirit that Doddie showed every single day – a recognition of MND, but a refusal to let the diagnosis define you, and a determination to use your platform to change the outlook for everyone affected by this disease.
“The Lewis Moody & Friends Cycle Challenge has the potential to be an incredible moment for MND fundraising and awareness.
“Funding will go directly towards research that is bringing us closer to effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
“We are deeply grateful to Lewis, his family, and every one of The Lewis XV for supporting our vision of a world free of MND.”
Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “I’d like to wish Lewis and The Lewis XV the very best for June. 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.”
Anyone wishing to find out more about the ride can do so at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.
