Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody MBE will lead a 500-mile charity cycle challenge starting Sunday, June 14, 2026, to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.
Moody, who went public with his own MND diagnosis in October 2025, will be joined by Kathy Weir and Hamish Weir — the wife and oldest son of late Scottish legend Doddie Weir. The seven-day “Lewis Moody XV Ride” will travel from Newcastle to Twickenham to deliver the match ball for the Gallagher Premiership final.
The involvement of the Weir family carries deep significance for Moody, who received his diagnosis at age 47. Doddie Weir, a beloved figure in the sport, died from MND in 2022 at the age of 52.
Moody described having Kathy and Hamish by his side as “incredibly powerful,” noting that the initiative feels like carrying forward the baton Doddie first ignited. Moody’s own family, including his wife Annie and sons Dylan and Ethan, will also participate in the ride.
The challenge supports the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, an organization established by Weir in 2017 following his own diagnosis. Since its inception, the foundation has committed more than £23.5 million to research aimed at finding effective treatments and a cure. This community-driven effort mirrors charitable giving drives seen in other sports, emphasizing the collective responsibility often felt within the rugby family.
Detailed route for the Lewis Moody XV Ride
The 500-mile trek is meticulously designed to visit the clubs and communities that defined Lewis Moody’s storied career. The start at Newcastle Red Bulls is symbolic, as it was Doddie Weir’s former club and the venue where Moody secured his first league title with Leicester Tigers. From there, the peloton will travel through Ripon and Worksop before reaching a poignant milestone on the third day.
On June 16, the riders will visit Oakham School in Rutland. Moody boarded there as a teenager long before he earned 71 England caps and a 2003 World Cup winner’s medal. He described the return as a moment to reflect on the community that shaped his character.
After Oakham, the route continues to Leicester Tigers, the club where he won seven Premiership titles and two European Cups.
The final legs of the journey take the riders through Worcester, Gloucester, and Bath Rugby — where Moody concluded his professional playing days — before stopping at Bracknell RFC. This was where Moody first played mini rugby as a child. Much like the latest sport news updates focusing on athlete resilience, this journey highlights the personal history of a player facing his toughest challenge.
Official seven-day cycle itinerary
- Sunday 14 June: Newcastle Red Bulls to Ripon
- Monday 15 June: Ripon to Worksop
- Tuesday 16 June: Worksop to Oakham School to Leicester Tigers
- Wednesday 17 June: Leicester Tigers to Worcester Warriors
- Thursday 18 June: Worcester Warriors to Bath Rugby
- Friday 19 June: Bath Rugby to Bracknell RFC
- Saturday 20 June: Bracknell RFC to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Rugby legends and teammates joining the cause
A “galaxy of rugby stars” from Moody’s playing days have committed to various stages of the ride. The roster of participants taking part across different stages includes 2003 World Cup teammates such as Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson, and Phil Vickery, alongside Martin Corry and Tom Croft. Other internationals joining the effort include Ben Kay, Joe Worsley, Danny Care, Ben Youngs, and Dan Hipkiss.
Several riders have committed to the full 500-mile distance alongside Moody. These include fellow MND campaigner Kenny Logan, former Leicester Tigers teammate Geordan Murphy, and adventurer Alan Chambers. This support network is vital as the group navigates the physical demands of the seven-day schedule. Julian White, Louis Deacon, Lee Mears, and Andy Gomarsall are also among those set to join the ride.
Moody’s children have also stepped up to support their father. His 17-year-old son, Dylan Moody, currently a goalkeeper for Southampton, and 15-year-old Ethan will both be in the saddle. While recent sports news often highlights on-field statistics, this event focuses on the human element of the sport and the strength found in family during a health crisis.
Advancing Motor Neurone Disease research through sport
The financial goal of the ride is to accelerate the search for effective treatments for MND, a condition that currently claims the lives of over half of those diagnosed within two years. Statistics from a 2022 study in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry suggest that former rugby players have a 15 times higher risk of an MND diagnosis compared to the general population.
Paul Thompson, Director of Fundraising at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, praised Moody’s leadership in a time of personal adversity. He noted that the challenge is more about family and friendship than it is about the sport itself. Every pound raised contributes to the foundation’s mission to fund research into effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the neurodegenerative disease.
Corporate partners including Gallagher Insurance, Castore, and TNT Sports have backed the event, ensuring maximum visibility for the fundraising effort. As the riders approach Allianz Stadium on June 20, they will have completed a grueling physical challenge, but for Lewis Moody and the Weir family, the mission to drive awareness and research progress remains a long-term commitment.
