Charles, who played four Test matches for Australia in 2014, was officially diagnosed on September 13 after a period of declining health. 'For a long period there I just didn't know what it was,' he told Stan Sport. 'I've had that many tests, seen that many doctors and it just wasn't getting any outcome. But my health just kept declining.'
His first thoughts after hearing the diagnosis were for his family. '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.'
Charles's rugby career was remarkable given he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at three months old. He is believed to be the only person with the condition to have played a contact sport professionally. Then-Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said at the time that Charles had 'defied science and defied logic'.
MND has no cure. Charles said the disease is already affecting him significantly. 'I'm getting around with mobility aids. I struggle to do a lot of daily tasks.'
The diagnosis has reignited discussion about potential links between contact sports and MND. Alan Pearce, a professor at Swinburne University of Technology, noted that high-profile cases such as NRL player Jai Arrow and former Australian rules footballer Geoff Ablett have brought the question to the forefront. MND is a progressive disease that damages motor neurones, leading to muscle weakness and eventually paralysis. Most people live two to five years after diagnosis, though some, like former AFL player and coach Neale Daniher, have lived longer.
Charles said he knows 'every person with MND has a different journey' but acknowledged the reality: 'I know there's no cure and ... your physicality, your body deteriorates and, yeah, your life cuts short.'