PROUD dad Lewis Moody watched his son Dylan save a penalty for England – days after revealing his motor neurone disease diagnosis.
The former England rugby star bravely opened up on his shock health update this week.
Lewis Moody cheered his son Dylan on as he played for England U18s[/caption]
Moody revealed his shock MND diagnosis this week[/caption]
Moody, 47, broke down in tears telling the BBC that medical tests showed he had MND.
The 2003 Rugby World Cup winner and former England captain did the interview alongside wife Annie.
The couple – married in June 2006 – have two sons together.
And it is Dylan making his way as an international sportsman – in a different sport from his father.
The 17-year-old is a goalkeeper, signing his first professional contract with Southampton in July.
He is also part of the Youth Lions set-up, making his Under-18s debut in September.
And Moody Jr came off the bench in Thursday’s 1-0 win over France at St George’s Park.
The Saints youngster replaced Aston Villa’s Owen Asemota after 63 minutes.
And his dad saw him keep a clean sheet as Matthew Upson’s son Elijah headed in a dramatic 96th-minute winner for England, who also had Emile Heskey’s son Reigan in Neil Ryan’s team.
It appears the two teams played a practice penalty shootout as part of their preparations for November’s U17 World Cup, which this team will play in after qualifying last season.
But Moody produced the goods, flinging himself to the left to make a fine save from a spot-kick.
Moody Sr took to Instagram with two wholesome posts about Dylan.
The first was a clip of the penalty save, captioned: “Great night watching this rather large legend.”
And the second was a picture of the father and son smiling together for a photo, with Dylan – who is unbeaten in four Premier League 2 matches this season – still in his green goalie kit.
Moody wrote: “Wonderful night at St George’s Park watching England U18 and this little warrior @dylanmoody.1.”
The post prompted various replies from fans and followers.
Gabby Logan commented with praising hands emojis while cricketer Jonny Bairstow wrote: “Special.”
‘IT’S SO STRANGE’
The Moody family have been sent widespread support from the sporting community since Lewis went public about having MND.
Speaking during the interview, the former Leicester Tigers hero explained how they broke the sad news to their teenage kids.
Moody said: “We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather silly.
“You’re given this diagnosis of MND and we’re rightly quite emotional about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong.
“I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell. My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder.
“I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible.”
Moody has two sons, Dylan and Ethan, with wife Annie[/caption]
Moody Jr started for England U18s in September against Canada[/caption]
He signed his first pro contract at Southampton earlier this year[/caption]
Dylan went to the 2011 Rugby World Cup where he watched his dad in action[/caption]
