Rob Burrow Opens Up About His Battle With Motor Neurone Disease

Former Rugby Star Rob Burrow Opens Up About Battle with Motor Neurone Disease

Rob Burrow, a former rugby league player, has opened up about his struggle with motor neurone disease (MND) and how it has affected his life as a father. He is featured in a new, emotional documentary on ITV titled “Lindsey and Rob: Living with MND”. The 40-year-old Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019, now weighs only seven stone. He is non-verbal and can only eat liquidised food spoon-fed to him by his wife, Lindsey. He is also required to sleep downstairs, and some nights he requires a ventilator to decrease high levels of carbon dioxide in his body.

Appreciating the Little Things in Life

In the documentary, Burrow states that the hardest thing for him is being unable to be the father that he wants to be. He would give anything to be able to kick a ball with his son or read a bedtime story to his children. However, he has come to appreciate the little things in life, saying that MND has made him more aware of things that people often take for granted.

Lindsey’s Support and her Children’s Admiration

Throughout the documentary, Lindsey’s role is highlighted as a ‘super mum’, who looks after her husband and their children while working part-time as a physiotherapist for the NHS. Macy, 11, and Maya, seven, both praised their mother’s strength. Lindsey has refused assistance from carers and equipment, instead carrying her husband around their home and from his wheelchair to the car. She states in the documentary that she wants to care for him as she promised in their wedding vows, in sickness and in health.

Raising Awareness and Funds for MND

Macy and Maya also expressed their pride in their parents for raising awareness about MND and the Funds for research into the condition. Lindsey trained and completed the Rob Burrow marathon in Leeds last May, raising £102,000 for research. Kevin Sinfield, Burrow’s former teammate, has raised over £8 million for MND charities. He has completed the Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge, running seven consecutive ultra-marathons, each around 40 miles each day. The inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was specially adapted to enable him to join 12,500 other runners using a specially-adapted chair pushed by Sinfield.

Motor Neurone Disease: A Rare Condition

Motor neurone disease mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages. It is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones, which gradually stop working over time. Early symptoms can include weakness in your ankle or leg, like finding it hard to walk upstairs; slurred speech, finding it hard to swallow, a weak grip, and gradual weight loss. It is recommended to see a GP if you have these symptoms.

Conclusion

MND is a devastating disease that impacts many people’s lives, especially the families and loved ones of those who are affected. Rob Burrow’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing the ‘little things’ in life and appreciating the love and support of family and friends. His wife, Lindsey’s determination to care for her husband while raising awareness and funds for research is an inspiration for many. It is essential to continue to raise awareness of MND and find new treatments and a cure for this debilitating illness.