Former Wallabies star Nathan Charles diagnosed with motor neurone disease at age 37

Australian rugby union champion Nathan ‘Cheezy’ Charles has shared shattering details of a recent and “cruel” health diagnosis.

Charles, 37, has revealed he has motor neurone disease, with the diagnosis confirmed on September 13 following many tests as his health deteriorated.

Charles, a former Wallaby who retired from the sport in 2018, called the diagnosis “overwhelming” and said he had “a bad feeling going into that appointment”.

It is a cruel and shocking twist for the former star who overcame cystic fibrosis when he was a child, with doctors thinking then that he could die before he turns 11 years old.

According to Healthline, cystic fibrosis can cause breathing difficulties with sticky mucus leading to the blockage of “important body ducts” (and) possible complications such as “impaired digestion, reduced liver function, diabetes, and infertility”.

Now, after successful sporting career where he represented the Wallabies in four Tests, Charles is facing a greater battle.

“For a long period there I just didn’t know what it was,” Charles said an interview on Stan.

“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. And, yeah, just at times quite cruel.

“It was probably when I went to the neurologist for the first time in March and, naturally, you type in your symptoms and the first thing that comes up is MND.

“At that point, I didn’t believe it was that, but in July, when things were getting worse, I definitely had a bad feeling in my gut.”

When it was confirmed he had MND, he immediately asked the doctor the obvious yet chilling question.

“My first question was, ‘How long have I got?’” he said.

“I really only know what you see and hear (about MND). I know that every person with MND has a different journey and path, and it affects everyone differently. I know there’s no cure, and your physicality and body deteriorate, cutting your life short.

“I am already greatly impacted by it. I get around with mobility aids and struggle with many daily tasks. Putting on shoes and socks is a challenge.”

The selfless Charles said he feels devastated for his family and fiancée, Steph Bailey.

“Because I felt as though this would impact them greater than it would me,” he said.

“I had a bad feeling going into that appointment and my fears were realised. It was the people around me that I felt worst for.”

Charles became the first cystic fibrosis sufferer in the world to play a contact sport professionally.

He said, as far as he was aware, there was no link between cystic fibrosis and MND.

“It’s just absolute rotten luck ... To be fair, if I’m a person of firsts, I’m taking it to the extreme,” he said.

Charles played Super Rugby for the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, and also had stints in England and France.

Now, a Gofundme has been set up to support the much-loved champ who, since his playing days, has held several high-profile roles, including CEO of Rugby WA, director of Veritas RSW, manager of Sydney University Football Club and head of operations at Racqueteer.

“Nathan is the most resilient, ambitious, selfless, strong-willed and independent person we know but MND is a battle he can’t fight on his own,” the Gofundme says.

“This fundraiser has been set up by a group of Nathan’s closest family and friends on behalf of Nathan, the Charles family and his partner Steph, and we’re raising funds to support Nathan and his family cover out of pocket costs and to help manage life with MND as his condition develops. All donations go directly to Nathan as the beneficiary.

“Nathan is already facing significant challenges and physical degradation as this devastating disease takes hold.

“MND waits for no one and Nathan being a Cystic Fibrosis sufferer makes access to specialist care and equipment even more urgent so he can maximise his time in this phase of life.

“Your donations will help directly bridge the critical gap for things such as immediate respiratory clearance devices, urgent home accessibility modifications, and essential living costs while he and his family adjust to full-time care, as well as help Nathan get around and enjoy quality time with friends and family.

“We want to make this extremely challenging time as manageable and as comfortable as possible for Nathan and his family.

“Please share far and wide, Nathan’s rugby, ambassadorial and professional life have seen him build an incredible network, fanbase and admirers for his contribution to the communities he’s a part of. We know there are many, many people who’d love to help him.”

- With AAP