Louis Moody is ‘furious’ at support since MND diagnosis

Modi discovered he had MS after he noticed some weakness in his shoulder while training at the gym.

After physical therapy failed to improve the problem, a series of scans showed that nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged.

Moody, who has two sons aged 17 and 15, says dealing with the mental impact of his diagnosis has been more difficult than the physical effects so far.

“I have minor symptoms in the hand and shoulder,” Modi said.

“The only real effect it has on you is in the back of your mind. It lingers.

“Trying to stop that and focus on each day. Getting the maximum physical pleasure you can get each day. Feeling like you have a purpose and applying yourself.”

Motor neurone disease can progress rapidly and is incurable but treatment can slow the deterioration.

Elite athletes are disproportionately affected by MND, with a study of Italian footballers suggesting that the rate of the disease is six times higher than in the general population.

It is thought that by reducing available oxygen and causing damage to motor neurons, regular, strenuous exercise can trigger the disease in people who are already genetically susceptible.