Former Ireland international Geordan Murphy is backing his friend and ex-Leicester team-mate Lewis Moody to confront motor neurone disease with the same "fearless" approach that characterised his rugby playing career.
Murphy, along with fellow Tigers great Leon Lloyd, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to support the former England captain, who learned two weeks ago that he has the incurable muscle wasting disease.
"As a player Lewis was absolutely fearless," said Kildare man Murphy, who won 74 caps for Ireland and the Lions.
"He put 100% into everything, he didn't believe in giving anything less. That’s the way he trained and the way he played.
"MND is an horrific disease and there’s no cure, which is heart-breaking. But I know Lewis will take this on with the same approach he played the game.
"No stone will be left unturned in terms of what he can do, both for himself and his family. That’s the type of person he is.
"Lewis is smiling his way through this and he really wants to live his life to the fullest that he can. It still hasn’t really hit home, but we’re all really supportive of him and his family."
The trio of retired Leicester stars spent a decade together at Welford Road and have remained close friends since their careers took them in different directions.
Murphy’s friendship with Moody was formed soon after he joined Leicester as a 19-year-old and the duo went on to play full roles in a glorious era for the club that produced back-to-back European titles.
"I moved over from Ireland as a youngster in 1997 and it was my first Christmas here," Murphy said.
"I was away from home, we were playing away on Boxing Day and Lewis grabbed me and said 'you’re coming to mine for Christmas’.
"That’s the person that he is – constantly looking out for other people. We became best friends and there was a group of us who were very, very close. He made it much more comfortable being away from home.
"He was an unbelievable team-mate who always put the team before himself. He’s the type of guy every squad needs to be successful."
Murphy and Lloyd have launched the GoFundMe drive to support Moody's care and the needs of his family, as well as contributing to related causes in the fight against MND, with a target of £130,000 (€150,000) set as the target.
"It’s something that we’ve done in the immediacy when things are very raw – it gives people the avenue to support Lewis and his family," said Murphy.
"It’s early days but I’ve already spoken to people who have suggested holding some fundraisers and who have pledged support.
"I’m hopeful that the rugby world and the whole country supports him and that we can do some amazing things going forward."
Kevin Sinfield has said he will "support in any way he can" after hearing about Moody's diagnosis.
Sinfield has raised more than £10m (€11.5m) to fund research and raise awareness of MND since his friend and Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the disease in 2019.
Burrow died from complications of the disease at the age of 41 in June last year.
Sinfield, currently a coach with the England rugby union team, said: "I’m obviously very saddened by the news. I’d like to wish Lewis, and all his family and friends, the very best.
"I’ll support in any way I can. We have to keep fighting MND together."
Sinfield’s next fundraising challenge – 7 in 7: Together – is set to take place in early December, when he is due to run seven ultra-marathons in seven days across seven cities or regions.
In May 2023, Sinfield famously carried his friend Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon.
