Rob Burrow issues powerful statement as wife explains his incredible legacy

04 September 2023 , 20:41

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Rob Burrow with wife Lindsey (Image: YEP / SWNS)

Rob Burrow’s wife has revealed his work to raise awareness of motor neurone disease has had such an impact that patients are now telling doctors: “I think I have the Rob Burrow disease.”

The rugby league legend was diagnosed aged 37 in 2019, when many people did not know exactly what the illness meant. Now his wife Lindsey says people don’t have to explain what MND is thanks to Rob, whose documentary Living with MND is shortlisted at tonight’s National Television Awards.

And as the family travelled to London on Monday, Rob’s proud daughters Macy, 11, and Maya, 8, went through the train carriage recruiting last-minute votes from passengers. Lindsey, 40, told the Mirror: “Rob’s consultant says people will come to the clinic now and say ‘I think I have the Rob Burrow disease’. To have that effect where people have seen Rob’s story and know what MND is, really pulls at your heartstrings.

“To hear from the other MND warriors and what other people have gone through, it brings a lump to the back of your throat. As a family, we are so proud of what Rob has achieved and we hope that it comes through in the documentary that life is for living and despite the situation we still live happy lives and we are not going to let MND stop us.”

Lindsey and Rob before a Leeds game at Headingley (PA)

The BBC Two documentary aired last October and showed the effect of the disease on the whole family. It has left “Rhino Rob”, who lifted eight Super League trophies and two Challenge Cups during his career as a scrum-half with Leeds Rhinos, now unable to walk or talk.

Kevin Sinfield goes extra mile for MND sufferers as he brings hope to Rob Burrow

But despite his life-limiting diagnosis, the devoted dad immediately insisted on a “no-more-tears policy” with his family. Rob said: “When I was diagnosed, I was terrified but I realised I could control how I approached my situation mentally. I refuse to give in, I will fight and fight. I use positivity to get me through and sometimes even when things are hard I like to crack a joke and make everyone laugh.”

Because of his attitude, family life at their home in Pontefract, West Yorks, is still full of happiness. Lindsey explained: “It’s chaotic, but that keeps me and Rob going. It’s when you stop and reflect that you have the dark times and it hits you that this is actually happening. But the kids wake up with big smiles on their face and they are so full of life, it gives you a reason to be positive.”

Rob, also 40, has been robbed of his ability to be a hands-on dad and play rugby in the garden with his son, Jackson, four. But the family watch videos of his days as a scrum-half and share stories of how fast daddy could run. All three children idolise him. The eldest, Macy, opened her dad’s documentary by saying: “My dad will always have a place in my heart”, and ended it by saying: “He has left a mark on the world.”

Rob and family in Leeds in June (PA)

In the four years since his diagnosis, Rob’s best pal and former team-mate Kevin Sinfield has helped him raise over £13million for MND charities. Lindsey hopes it is “a matter of time” before they are knighted. The condition affects the brain and nerves and can affect a person’s ability to walk, talk and swallow. At the moment, there is no cure, but there are treatments which can help with some of the symptoms.

The money raised by Kevin, Rob and Lindsey is already helping people living with MND to adapt their homes, and funding research into the disease. Lindsey said: “We probably forget the rugby player sometimes and what he achieved in his career but I think the legacy that he has created and the awareness he has raised is really making a difference.

“He probably will be remembered more now for what he has done for MND and changing people’s perception of it.” Rob said he was as nervous and excited for the awards ceremony, live on ITV at 8pm, as he would have been for a “big game at Wembley”. But their children believe they have already won – because they have “the best parents in the world”.

Macy said: “There’s not enough words to describe my mum and how special she is.” Maya added: “She’s a great mum because she keeps going and fighting every day. She helps my dad, puts him to bed and feeds him, I couldn’t wish for a better mum.”

Lucy Thornton