Rugby star Lewis Moody tackles his fear of spiders

Mar 6 2008 By Dale Williams, Birmingham Mail

LONG legged hairy beasts usually pose no problem for rugby international Lewis Moody.

But when the World Cup winning England flanker faced a Chilean red-kneed spider at Dudley Zoo he found himself on shaky ground.

Lewis, aged 29, was taking part in an arachnophobia session at the tourist attraction in a bid to tackle his spider fears.

The Leicester Tigers player spent four hours at the Castle Hill site where zoo education presenter David Riley talked h i m through his fears. He explained spider behaviour and anatomy before teaching Lewis breathing exercises and a mantra and then introducing him to a tarantula named Chilli.

David said: "Lewis was in control throughout the session and there was a code for him to use if he wanted me to take Chilli away.

"But he was fine and remembered what we had covered in the session and he actually managed to hold her in his hands for several minutes."

Lewis said: "If I see a spider in the bath I shout for my wife to take it away. I just can't stand them.

"When the spider was placed on my hand I could hardly feel it it was so light. I couldn't bear to look at it at first, but I used the mantra to stay in control and I was OK."

The session was part of Wrigley's Airwaves Kick Up a Gear campaign which encourages people to take on a challenge.

For further details about the sessions visit dudleyzoo.org.uk or call 01384 214313.