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Nathan Charles, the first cystic fibrosis sufferer to play contact sport professionally, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The 37-year-old won four caps for Australia and played for the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels.
Former Wallaby Nathan Charles has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) at the age of 37. Charles, who played four Test matches for Australia after his 2014 debut, revealed the diagnosis in an interview with Stan Sport.
He became the first cystic fibrosis sufferer in the world to play a contact sport professionally. During the interview with former Wallaby turned commentator Justin Harrison, Charles said he had only recently been diagnosed. For a long period there I just didn't know what it was, said Charles, who retired from professional rugby in 2018. I've had that many tests, seen that many doctors and it just wasn't getting any outcome, but my health just kept declining.
Charles Diagnosed With Motor Neurone Disease
And then recently, in the last few weeks, I was actually diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which has been extremely challenging and overwhelming, he said. And, yeah, just at times quite cruel. With no cure yet for the condition, Charles said his first thought was for his family, including his fiancee Steph. My first question was, How long have I got? the former hooker said.
I know that every person with MND has a different journey, a different path and it affects everyone differently. I'm already greatly impacted by it, Charles said. 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.
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've given that a red-hot crack and now this other thing comes along, he said. 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.
MND Affects Nerves Controlling Movement
Sydney-born Charles represented the Wallabies in four Tests in 2014 and 2015 and also played in the Super Rugby competition for Western Force and Melbourne Rebels. He also had stints in England and France. 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. Charles revealed he has been diagnosed with the same disease as the retired South Sydney NRL star. Former AFL player and coach Neale Daniher died in May aged 65 after a 13-year battle with the disease.
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GuardianAus:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Nathan Charles Motor Neurone Disease Wallabies Cystic Fibrosis Rugby Health
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