Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles reveals MND diagnosis at 37
Former Wallabies rugby player Nathan Charles has announced he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease at age 37. Charles, who previously overcame cystic fibrosis, intends to use his platform to raise awareness for MND.
Why it matters
The story highlights the personal health struggles of high-profile athletes and the ongoing challenges of managing rare, life-altering diseases.
Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease at age 37.
Charles, who played four times for Australia in 2014, revealed his diagnosis to Stan Sport and explained he had started to experience new health challenges over the past eight months.
“For a long period there I just didn’t know what it was,” Charles said.
“I’ve had that many tests, seen that many doctors and it just wasn’t getting any outcome.
“But my health just kept declining. And then recently in the last few weeks I was actually diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which has been extremely challenging and overwhelming.
The former front-rower had previously overcome a significant health challenge to play rugby, having been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetically inherited condition which impacts the pancreas and lungs, at 3 months old.
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