Former Wallaby Nathan Charles has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Sydney-born Charles, 37, represented the Wallabies in four Tests in 2014 and 2015 and also played in the Super Rugby competition for Western Force and Melbourne Rebels.
“In the last few weeks I have been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which has been extremely challenging and overwhelming … and just at times quite cruel,” Charles told Stan Sport.
MND is a life-shortening neurological condition that affects the nerves controlling movement. It causes progressive muscle weakness and can affect a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe.
NRL star Jai Arrow, 31, was this year diagnosed with MND, while former AFL player and coach Neale Daniher died in May aged 65 after a 13-year battle with the disease.
Charles said he knew there was “no cure” for MND.
“Your physicality, your body deteriorates and your life cuts short,” he said.
“I’m already greatly impacted by it. I’m getting around with mobility aids. I struggle to do a lot of daily tasks, and putting on shoes and socks and stuff like that is a bit of a challenge.
“I’m going to have my ups and downs.”
It’s not the first health battle for Charles, who at three months old was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and was reportedly not expected to live past the age of 10.
“I was born with a life-threatening illness,” he said.
“I’ve given that a red-hot crack and now this other thing comes along. I find it quite ironic that something else would strike me down rather than what I’ve sort of been dealing with my whole life.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Charles financially.