Geoff Burrow, the father of the late Rob Burrow, has expressed his support for Lewis Moody following the England rugby icon’s announcement of being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Moody, aged 47, shared the news in a deeply emotional interview.
Joining a list of former rugby stars affected by the debilitating muscle-wasting disease, Moody’s revelation comes after the losses of rugby figures Doddie Weir and Burrow to the same condition. Burrow valiantly fought MND for five years before succumbing to it at the age of 41 last year.
Moody’s emotional disclosure highlighted his concerns about the future, prompting Geoff to send a message of solidarity. Geoff shared a fundraising link on X, urging people to support Moody and his family during this challenging time, stating, “I’m devastated by Lewis’s diagnosis. His resilience has always been an inspiration to many. Let’s unite in backing him and his family through this adversity.”
The fundraising page aims to raise approximately £130,000 for Moody and his family, emphasizing his positive outlook and willingness to navigate the changes ahead. It calls for support towards addressing their needs post-diagnosis and aiding causes they choose to champion in the future.
Notably, Rob Burrow, alongside Kevin Sinfield, raised substantial funds for charity and raised awareness about MND before his passing. Both were honored with a CBE for their philanthropic efforts and advocacy for the cause.
While Moody shared his diagnosis in a heartfelt interview with the BBC, reflecting on the challenge of confronting the unknown future, his illustrious rugby career, including winning the Rugby World Cup in 2003 and achievements with England and domestic clubs, has left a lasting impact on the sport.
