Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has revealed he has motor neurone disease, describing the diagnosis as ‘extremely challenging and overwhelming’ after months of worsening health.
The 37-year-old shared the news in an emotional interview with former Wallaby Justin Harrison on Stan Sport.
Charles said he had spent about eight months undergoing tests and seeing doctors without getting answers as his condition continued to decline.
‘For a long period there I just didn’t know what it was,’ he 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.’
Charles said his first question after the diagnosis was: ‘How long have I got?’
Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has revealed he has motor neurone disease at the age of 37
Charles said he had spent months undergoing tests as his health continued to decline
The former Wallaby told Stan Sport his MND diagnosis had been “extremely challenging and overwhelming”
He said he understood that motor neurone disease affects each person differently, but knew there was no cure and that the condition causes the body to deteriorate.
‘I’m already greatly impacted by it,’ he 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.’
Charles said he had a bad feeling before the appointment where he received the diagnosis. His immediate thoughts turned to the effect the news would have on his family and fiancée, Steph Bailey.
‘I felt as though this would impact them greater than it would me,’ he said. ‘It was the people around me that I felt worse for.’
The diagnosis comes after a lifetime of dealing with cystic fibrosis. Charles was diagnosed with the genetic condition at three months old, and his family were reportedly told he might not live past the age of 10.
He went on to build a professional rugby career, making his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in 2010 and playing four Tests for Australia.
He also represented the Melbourne Rebels and had stints in England and France before retiring in 2018.
Charles said he is using mobility aids and struggles with everyday tasks, including putting on shoes and socks
Charles played four Tests for Australia after overcoming cystic fibrosis, which he was diagnosed with as a baby
A GoFundMe has been set up by Charles’ family and friends to help cover care costs and home modifications
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Charles said he was not aware of a link between cystic fibrosis and motor neurone disease.
‘I was born with a life-threatening illness,’ he said.
‘I’ve sort of 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.’
Since retiring, Charles has held several roles in rugby and business. He now hopes to focus on creating memories and using his experience to help others.
‘I want to start doing things for the first time,’ he said. ‘I want to create memories. I want to do some really cool stuff.’
His family and friends are also working to establish the Nathan Charles Foundation, which he said would reflect his values of hard work, integrity and giving back.
A GoFundMe has been set up by people close to Charles to help cover costs as his condition develops, including specialist equipment, home modifications and essential living expenses.
Charles’s diagnosis comes after NRL star Jai Arrow was diagnosed with the same condition.
