Rob Burrow's wife issues "won't give in" message after he's hospitalised
The wife of rugby league legend Rob Burrow said he “won’t give in” to Motor Neurone Disease – despite being hospitalised with pneumonia.
Rob, 40, has since returned home after his health scare, but now relies on a ventilator at night to ensure there is not a build-up of carbon dioxide in his body. His wife Lindsey, also 40, who also cares for Rob, says the ex-Leeds Rhinos scrum-half remains upbeat despite everything he’s going through.
She said: “Fortunately, he bounced back, which is something that Rob always does. He really won’t give in to this disease. Rob’s positivity ripples through the whole family. Life is just so busy that you don’t have time to sit around feeling sorry for yourself.
“We just want to live as normal a life as possible, make lots of happy memories and enjoy the time we’ve got.”
The couple are preparing for a big night at the National Television Awards next Tuesday with the family urging people to vote for their documentary Rob Burrow: Living with MND. It gave an insight into Rob’s life and the impact his MND had on Lindsey and their children Macy, Maya and Jackson.
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Lindsey said letting cameras into the family’s home in Pontefract, West Yorks, was a daunting prospect. But she says she agreed because of Rob’s passion for raising awareness of the disease that he was diagnosed with in 2019.
She added: “He wanted to show that MND affects the whole family. I think the documentary has done that – and the outpouring of love for Rob has been incredible.”
Their daughters were excited to watch themselves on TV but they found some scenes upsetting, including one that showed their mum in tears. Lindsey said: “I try to put on a brave face. But there are sad times ahead and I think it’s important that the children see that emotional side. It’s important that they know it’s okay to be upset. I’m glad they’ve seen it.”
Rob Burrow's family have continued to raise awareness about his illness (PA)She said the family would be thrilled if the documentary wins a National Television Award next week. She added: “We feel like winners just being on the shortlist. Rob said there’s absolutely no chance of winning and I’d like to prove him wrong – but we’re under no illusions and know this is a really tough category.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Rob to win this award. He has opened his doors to show the world the brutality of MND and what it’s like living with it at a time when he’s at his most vulnerable. To do that is really brave and courageous.
“He has given people so much hope. He’s just an all-round selfless, special person. I think hopefully in years to come we can say: look at your dad’s legacy. There is so much to be proud of him for.”
Viewers were particularly touched by physiotherapist Lindsey’s resilience in the documentary which shows her literally carrying her husband up the stairs to bed. Lindsey added: “Don’t get me wrong, there are times when there aren’t enough hours in the day. But when I look at what Rob’s going through, it’s nothing. It puts things into perspective.”
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