Rob Burrow's wife says Pride of Britain brought 'sparkle' back to his eyes

11 October 2023 , 20:13

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Rob Burrow's wife says Pride of Britain brought 'sparkle' back to his eyes

Each day Rob Burrow sits in his living room, in the armchair where his wife Lindsey has lifted him after getting him up and dressed, staring at the television.

Since Monday though, there has been a new addition for his eyes to rest upon, with the sparkle of a precious memory to relive – his Pride of Britain award.

If his daughters Maya, eight, and Macy, 11, haven’t snatched it and made off with it to school or Brownies for show and tell, as they’ve done three times already this week.

The Burrow household is still buzzing from Sunday night. Former rugby league star Rob, 41, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019, his wife and carer Lindsey, 40, were presented with the Special Recognition award at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with TSB.

Their friend and Rob’s former Leeds Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield, 43, was a co-recipient but was unable to attend the ceremony, which will be shown on Thursday night on ITV.

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The presentation was one of the most powerful moments of the night, prompting an impassioned standing ovation from the profoundly moved audience.

It was in recognition for the trio’s fundraising of over £13million, and the courage of MBE scrum-half Rob and Lindsey, a NHS physiotherapist who refuses carers for her husband. Lindsey explains: “To be recognised while Rob is still with us is really special. You cannot take those memories away.”

Rob Burrow with wife Lindsey and their two children

What added to the moment’s power is the look of absolute adoration and pride Rob, now non-verbal and without voluntary movement control, had in his eyes for his two daughters. They joined him on stage with such confidence and delight, despite the immense loss they face.

Back home in Pontefract, West Yorks, Lindsey says: “The award, being recognised, means a lot to Rob. He was completely overwhelmed, it was such an honour to receive that for all the work he has done in raising awareness. It was a pinch me moment.

“But seeing the kids happy is what makes Rob happy. On the stage when the girls were interviewed you could just see that glint in his eye. That sparkle.

“Rob idolises the children. He is happy knowing the girls have had that opportunity to go on the red carpet, to have a fuss made of them. They will be telling all their friends the stories from Pride of Britain. That’s what will mean more to Rob than anything.”

The award was presented by Martin Sheen and Louise Redknapp

That look of pride in Rob’s eyes was noticed particularly acutely by EastEnders ’ actor Bobby Brazier, 20, a current Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who made his way over to the family at their table after the event ended. The girls had interviewed him on the red carpet earlier for fun.

“He said how proud their dad looked on stage,” recalls Lindsey. “I thought that was really kind. He made the point to come and say you could see it in their dad’s eyes.”

Bobby lost his own mother, Jade Goody, to cancer as a child. “Maybe it was because he lost his mum at a young age," says Lindsey. “Maybe that resonated with him. “His own dad looked at him like that at the National Television Awards when he won. He knows what is going on.”

Lindsey was presented with the award by her style icon Louise Redknapp, 48 –secretly arranged by Rob. Lindsey laughs: “Macy said ‘my mum always tries to copy you’. Kids will be honest!”

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The Burrow family alongside Carol Vorderman at the Pride of Britain Awards

She continues: “I grew up watching the show and it was such a privilege to be part of it. I had a lump in my throat backstage hearing the other winners’ stories.

“Then I was overcome when I watched the film of Rob’s life at the award presentation. It is something that will live with me forever. I will be telling my grandchildren about the Pride of Britain awards.”

That is a rare nod from Lindsey towards a future without Rob. In another, the devoted mum recently began making memory boxes with the girls and son Jackson, four.

For this relentlessly positive family with a “no tears” policy, it is a big admission. “The tickets for Pride of Britain will go in and they’ll make photo books from the night,” she says.

“It’s about making memories, and it’s a night we’ll never forget. I think it will bring us comfort in time because we can look back and say ‘Look what your dad achieved, look at his legacy and look what we got to experience’.”

Emily Retter