We're supporting the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge

From 15 – 21 June, we'll donate 2% of all sales on the Schöffel Country website to the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

On Sunday 14 June, Lewis Moody and a team made up of his family members, close friends and former teammates will set off on a 500-mile bike ride to raise funds for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, whose mission is to create a world free of MND.

The week-long Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge will start in Newcastle and conclude at Twickenham ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Final on Saturday 20 June. Along the way, the group will stop at four clubs that played an important role in Lewis's rugby journey – Bracknell, Oakham, Leicester Tigers and Bath.

Lewis (48) revealed his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis in October 2025 and has since spoken openly about the challenges he now faces.

A former England captain and British & Irish Lion who was part of England's Rugby World Cup-winning squad in 2003, few players embodied the spirit of English rugby like Lewis, who became renowned for his fearless, relentless and uncompromising approach to the game. Now, he’s applying that same mentality to raising awareness of MND and supporting the work of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

Founded by the late Scotland international Doddie Weir OBE, the charity funds research into effective treatments for motor neurone disease while providing practical support to those living with the condition. Since its launch in 2017, it has become one of the leading organisations in the fight against MND.

The Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge itself is about more than miles covered and money raised, though. It’s about friendship, resilience and showing support for one of rugby's most recognisable figures as he embarks on a very different kind of battle.

Preparing for the challenge | Behind the scenes with former Tigers' players

Last weekend, we joined several of Lewis’ close friends and former Leicester Tigers teammates for one of the final training rides before the challenge begins; Tom Croft, Matt Smith, Martin Corry and Anthony Allen met at Geordan Murphy’s house early doors for a final stretch of their legs.

The route featured plenty of hills and winding lanes. And in the few hours we followed the group’s progress, there was a buckled chainring, an almost-slow-motion fall into a hedge (see our Instagram channel for the drone footage), and plenty of grimacing. A casual observer might have mistaken it for a group of old mates enjoying a ride through the countryside – and, in many ways, that's exactly what it was. But there was, of course, a much deeper meaning to it all.

The riders know what lies ahead: Seven days, more than 500 miles, countless hours in the saddle. They also know exactly why they're doing it.

As we filmed parts of the morning for our social channels, conversations regularly returned to Lewis, the challenge and the cause behind it. The banter never disappeared, but neither did the underlying motivation.

For many involved, this is personal. Some have played alongside Lewis. Others have known him for decades away from rugby. What unites them is a desire to support a friend while helping raise awareness of a disease that continues to affect thousands of families across the UK.

Why My Name'5 Doddie Foundation matters

The My Name'5 Doddie Foundation was established with a clear goal: to fund research that can accelerate the search for effective treatments and ultimately a cure.

Motor neurone disease remains one of the most challenging conditions facing modern medicine. The disease affects the nerves that control movement, gradually impacting a person's ability to walk, talk, eat and breathe. Despite significant advances in understanding MND, there is currently no cure.

In recent years, rugby has played a significant role in increasing public awareness of the disease. Through the experiences of Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, Ed Slater and now Lewis, more people than ever before understand both the realities of MND and the urgent need for continued research.

The charity has invested millions of pounds into research projects across the UK while supporting individuals and families affected by the disease. Progress is being made. New research programmes are providing hope and helping scientists better understand the causes of MND.

There is, though, still a long way to go. That’s why fundraising initiatives such as the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge are so important. Every donation, every mile ridden and every show of support helps fund work that could one day change lives.

For Lewis and the team riding alongside him, the challenge represents an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to that effort while helping ensure that conversations around MND continue long after the final mile has been completed.

Following the clubs that shaped a career

The route of the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge itself tells a story. For supporters of English rugby, the names of the planned pit-stops will be familiar.

Leicester Tigers, where Lewis established himself as one of the country's leading back-row forwards. Bath, where he finished his playing career. The communities, teammates and supporters connected to those clubs remain a significant part of his story today. Finishing at Twickenham feels particularly fitting.

Why Schöffel Country is supporting the challenge

At Schöffel Country, we've been fortunate to collaborate with several of the people involved in the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge over the years.

Rugby, much like the countryside, is built on community. The challenge brings together family members, teammates and lifelong friends in support of a cause that matters enormously.

That's why, from 15-21 June, we'll donate 2% of every sale made on the Schöffel Country website to My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

Every purchase made during the week will help support the charity's work funding research into motor neurone disease, accelerating progress towards effective treatments and improving support for those affected by MND today.

We'll also be following the riders' progress throughout the week and sharing updates from the road across our social channels.

If you'd like to support the challenge, every order placed during the campaign period will make a contribution towards the foundation's vital work. You can also donate directly to My Name'5 Doddie Foundation at https://lewismoodyxv-cyclechallenge.com/

Quickfire questions

When does the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge start?

The Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge starts on Sunday 14 June 2026 and runs for seven days, finishing ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Final at Twickenham on Saturday 20 June.

Where does the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge start and finish?

The challenge starts in Newcastle and finishes at Twickenham Stadium in London after covering approximately 500 miles. Along the route, riders will stop at Ripon, Worksop, Oakham, Leicester, Worcester, Bath and Bracknell.

Who is taking part in the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge?

Many of Lewis' friends from the rugby world will be joining him for the challenge, including Phil Vickery, Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Corry, Martin Johnson, Jason Robinson, Ben Kay, Kenny Logan, Tom Croft, Geordan Murphy, Leon Lloyd, Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs, Lee Mears, Dan Hipkiss, Andy Gomarsall and Louis Deacon.

Among those riding every mile will be Lewis' teenage sons, Dylan and Ethan. They'll be joined by Lewis' close friends, adventurers and regular charity challenge partners, Alan Chambers and Billy Perham.

What is the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge raising funds for?

The 500-mile cycle challenge is raising money for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, a charity dedicated to funding research into motor neurone disease (MND), supporting people living with the condition and helping accelerate progress towards a cure.

How is Schöffel Country supporting the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge?

From 15-21 June, Schöffel Country will donate 2% of all sales made through schoffelcountry.com to My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. We will also be sharing updates throughout the week on our Instagram channel.