Rob Burrow Living with MND: Fans react to ‘heartbreaking and inspiring’ documentary on former rugby star
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Sports fans and well-wishers have taken to social media to express grief and support for former Leeds Rhinos and England star Rob Burrow, following a BBC documentary showing him coping with the effects of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Speaking with the aid of a computer screen connected through an eye-controlled keyboard, Burrow responded to his family, his medical aides and detailed his feelings about day-to-day life with wife Lindsey.
“I’m a prisoner in my own body. I was such a hands-on dad, you hate to see your wife doing it alone,” he said.
I hope that the message gets across tonight. I'm not holding back and let you in to my life for the day. I'm super proud of my families sacrifice to me because it effects the fam. BBC 2. 7pm. Rob Burrow: living with MND!
— Rob Burrow MBE (@Rob7Burrow) October 18, 2022
“I didn’t think she had signed up to look after me so soon. She’s my very own superhero.”
His wife also explained her role in looking after Burrow on a daily basis and how the family cope with his condition - and revealed her husband had asked her to find someone else after his life ends. “There was nobody else I was ever going to marry. He always tells me to find someone else but nobody will ever take his place,” she replied.
“I can’t imagine a world without Rob. I keep thinking about the children and what effect it will have on them.”
The documentary showed aspects of Burrow’s life including his meetings with doctors and physical therapy. “I find it easier to walk in the pool, my joints are stiff from the lack of use,” he said.
Displaying a sense of humour at times and his will to fight against the disease, the insight into Burrow’s lifestyle nonetheless had viewers distraught at what the family has to go through in fighting MND.
Lindsey was hailed as “extraordinary” and an “inspiration”, both for the way she helps Rob on a day-to-day basis and her strength of personality and determination, while she also insisted that while the situation was “devastating and heartbreaking”, the family remained determined to enjoy every minute they had together.
Olympian Chris McDermott led the praise for the family and urged fans to watch the documentary.
Every should watch Rob Burrow: living with MND. Heartbreaking and inspiring. The strength of Rob and Lindsey has floored me. #robburrow
— Chris McDermott OLY (@ChristopherMcD_) October 18, 2022
Rob Burrow BBC documentary: 'I'm a prisoner in my own body' - remarkable TV. Well done @sallynugent @BBCFrediani & all committed to helping an amazing family tell a deeply moving story. If you missed it, see it on catch-up. https://t.co/jgw62akVFe
— Alastair Stewart (@AlStewartOBE) October 18, 2022
I would not wish MND on my worst enemy. Such an horrifically cruel disease. Rob Burrow and his exceptional family defy all description. Love and respect to you all xxx #robburrow #MND
— Emma Short 🇺🇦 (@EmsyLamb) October 18, 2022
Absolutely none of us have got anything at all to moan about, just look at this warrior & his lovely family, humbling & extremely moving 😢🙏👏 #livingwithMND #robburrow
— ★Graham★ (@GilboGraham) October 18, 2022
This Rob Burrow documentary is a tough watch. What a brave man and what a family behind him.
— Willie Budge (@Fermer78) October 18, 2022
The Rob Burrow documentary on BBC 2 is utterly heartbreaking, but what an inspiration him and his family are.
— @chrisacdandb (@chrisacdandb) October 18, 2022
How strong both Lindsey and Rob Burrow are is incredible. It’s also heartbreaking at the same time. #MND #livingwithMND
— Danny Gray (@Dannygray21) October 18, 2022
I honestly don’t have enough words to describe just how brave Rob and his family are.
So much more must be done to research this condition.💙#Robburrow— Just me Stevie (@arty566) October 18, 2022
Haven't even finished the introduction at were all in tears watching this living with mnd rob burrow documentary 😢
— Carl Asquith (@carlasquith13) October 18, 2022
Watching this Rob Burrow programme on BBC 2 about Motor Neutron Disease. What a horrible horrible illness. Wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
— Dave (@dave_n84) October 18, 2022
Burrow’s former teammate Kevin Sinfield also featured in the documentary, having become a regular fundraiser for MND charities through their friendship.