Leicester Tigers legend Moody said: “I am obviously absolutely gutted. This was my greatest challenge and to be forced to withdraw is shattering.
“An injury like this in the Yukon is very different to those you would experience on a rugby pitch, the elements are brutally unpredictable and you are a prisoner to whatever it throws at you.
“I was part of an incredible team and I wish there was something I could have done to have enabled us to complete this task together, to raise as much money as possible. We will learn from this, re group, and come back stronger.”
Moody set off on the Yukon Arctic Ultra, described as the toughest ultra marathon in the world, on Sunday. His aim with Team Telecity teammates Alan Chambers and Phil Wall was to trek 300 miles in eight days, pulling their sleds, equipment, food and bedding across the Yukon Territory in Canada where temperatures can reach as low as minus 50C and raise money for the Hope HIV charity.
But on the morning of day three, with the temperature down to minus 35C, Moody experienced a decreased sensation in his finger due to a previous injury and the harsh environment quickly took its toll before Chambers identified the frostbite.
Wall, co-founder of the Hope HIV charity, added: “I am gutted for Lewis who had, as he always does, been competing with characteristic passion and determination. Even after pulling out from the race he donated his own shoes to a fellow competitor who was struggling with his own damaged footwear.
“The team would like to thank sponsors, supporters and everyone who has been so generous in donating so far.”
Lewis Moody, Alan Chambers and Phil Wall were attempting to complete the Yukon Arctic Ultra to raise money for HOPEHIV. If you would still like to donate to their cause of supporting street children in sub-Saharan
Africa go to www.justgiving.com/teams/mygreatestchallenge
