Ex-Wallaby, 37, shares ‘cruel’ diagnosis in raw interview
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Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The 37-year-old, who played four Tests for Australia in 2014, shared the painful news with the public in an emotional interview with Stan Sport’s Justin Harrison.
Nathan Charles speaks with Justin Harrison. Stan
Charles retired from professional rugby in 2018 and started experiencing new health “challenges” over the last eight months.
“And 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. And, yeah, just at times quite cruel.”
After getting the devastating diagnosis, Charles immediately thought of his family.
“Because I felt as though this would impact them greater than it would me. So, yeah, that was my first thought,” 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 worse for.”
In typical front-rower fashion, Charles didn’t beat about the bush with his doctor.
“My first question was ‘how long have I got?’ I know that every person with MND has a different journey, a different path and it affects everyone differently.
“I know there’s no cure and… your physicality, your body deteriorates and, yeah, your life cuts short.”
Charles has lived a remarkable life and there is plenty more to come.
At just three-months-old, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetically inherited condition that significantly affects the lungs and the pancreas.
Nathan Charles playing for Wallabies during a 2014 Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney. Cameron Spencer
His family were warned that he would not live past the age of 10.
Charles made a mockery of that and his love of rugby grew after impressing Wallabies great Phil Kearns at a hot dog eating competition in Parramatta as a kid.
The Sydney product made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in 2010, and is believed to be the only person in the world with cystic fibrosis to play any contact sport professionally.
“If you look at the symptoms and classic outcomes of cystic fibrosis, it’s not a great scenario from a sporting point of view,” Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said in 2014 after handing Charles his Test debut against France.
“But he seems to have defied science and defied logic.”
Charles has used his story and his profile to be a leading and inspiring voice for cystic fibrosis - and he plans to do the same for MND.
“I won’t say the word funny, but, you know, I was born with a life-threatening illness,” he reflected.
Nathan Charles on the rooftop of Optus Stadium during a media opportunity. Paul Kane
“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.”
Charles’ family, friends and fiancée Steph are a huge support as once-simple tasks become near-impossible.
“I’m already greatly impacted by it. 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.
“So it’s already impacted me, and I’m going to have my ups and downs.”
Charles initially started viewing life events as: “I’m now doing things for the last time” - but he is learning to challenge that instinct.
“Instead, I really want to turn that around and flip the script a bit and say, you know, ‘I want to start doing things for the first time’.
“I want to create memories. I want to do some really cool stuff… and trying to use my story to inspire, motivate. You’ve still got to have purpose in life… otherwise, what are you living for? Initially, I want to make sure my family is OK.
Nathan Charles playing for the Western Force against the Chiefs in 2014. Getty Images
“Once I know the people around me are OK, I think I’ll be OK.“
Charles and his support network are in the process of creating the Nathan Charles Foundation, “that embodies my values around hard work, integrity and giving back essentially... so hopefully there’s something good to come from it.”
Charles has been inundated by people asking how they can help.
His friends have set up a GoFundMe to help ease his financial concerns, and he wants to thank all rugby fans for their support over the years.
“If you see me, just come say hello, and I’m happy to have a chat. Everyone’s facing their own challenges in life,” he said.
“I just want to make as many memories and opportunities happen as possible.”
Jai Arrow, Rob Burrow, Lewis Moody, Carl Webb, Joost van der Westhuizen and Doddie Weir are among other high-profile rugby and league players to have been diagnosed with MND.
Nathan Charles of the Wallabies is tackled. Getty Images
Ex-Wallabies lock Harrison - the former boss of Australia’s rugby players’ association - thanked Charles for his generosity of spirit.
“It’s been a real pleasure to be a very small part of your life and will continue to be moving forward, mate,” Harrison said.
“It’s very humbling to be able to participate in your story, right from when we first met and actually played, through to now. Your counsel, compassion and courage is astounding.
“So, mate, I just want to say that the sporting community and the community that you have around you - and will create moving forward - love you very much. You are not a burden. And we are looking forward to helping as much as we can.
“We love you, mate.”
Watch Justin Harrison’s full interview with Nathan Charles on Stan Sport
You can visit Nathan Charles’ GoFundMe page here
