Rugby Star Faces MND
Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease at 37.
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Charles said the diagnosis felt “at times quite cruel,” but added that he has “a lot of great people” around him and that he is trying to “get on with it.”
2
Before his diagnosis, Charles had spoken of a personal mission to live beyond 37—the stated life expectancy he had been given with cystic fibrosis. Reflecting on his illnesses, he said: “I was born with a life-threatening illness. I’ve given that a red-hot crack. Now this ...”
3
MND is an umbrella term for progressive neurological conditions in which motor neurones degenerate; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is its most common form.
4
Charles made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in 2010 and played 83 times for the club; he also appeared twice for the Melbourne Rebels.
5
The articles note a number of other rugby figures affected by MND, including Lewis Moody and Ed Slater, who are living with the disease, and Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, who have died from it.
Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles, 37, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) after eight months of declining health and inconclusive medical tests. IJR Charles described the diagnosis as "at times quite cruel," but said he has "a lot of great people" around him and is trying to "get on with it." The diagnosis caps a lifetime of health battles: Charles was born with cystic fibrosis and was not expected to live past 10, yet went on to earn four caps for Australia and play professionally before retiring in 2018.
MND is a progressive neurological condition in which motor neurones degenerate and stop working. The Independent Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is the most common form. Charles said his first thoughts after diagnosis were about his family and loved ones, and he plans to use his public profile to raise awareness of the disease.
A Life Defying Medical Odds
Charles made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in 2010 and went on to play 83 times for the club. IJR He also appeared twice for the Melbourne Rebels. Diagnosed with a life-threatening illness at birth, Charles set a personal mission to live beyond 37—the life expectancy doctors had given him with cystic fibrosis. Reflecting on his dual diagnoses, he said: "I was born with a life-threatening illness. I've given that a red-hot crack. Now this..."
MND's Growing Impact on Rugby
Charles joins a growing list of rugby figures affected by motor neurone disease. The Independent Lewis Moody and Ed Slater are currently living with MND, while Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died from the disease. The condition has increasingly touched the rugby community, raising questions about potential links to the sport's physical demands.
Charles Pledges to Raise Awareness
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Charles said he remains resolute about his path forward. He plans to leverage his rugby background and public recognition to increase awareness of MND and support research into the disease. TDP El Media Charles emphasized that while the diagnosis is overwhelming, he is determined to continue engaging with his community and the broader rugby world.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
13
Articles
121
Reach
134
A
AnonymousAuthor
