Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow shares emotional final words in heartbreaking BBC documentary

Brave former Leeds Rhinos star and MND campaigner Rob Burrow recorded a deeply moving final message to his supporters before he died, encouraging them to ‘be brave’, ‘live in the moment’ and continue to ‘dare to dreams”.

The emotional speech was broadcast as part of a BBC tribute to the rugby legend who sadly died on Sunday. In his final days, Rob, with characteristic humility, described himself as “just a Yorkshire lad who got to live his dream”, but to many, he was an inspirational figure far beyond the rugby field thanks to his work his relentless for MND. charities.

He also urged scientists to continue searching for a cure for the devastating disease. Despite battling MND, Rob continued to communicate and share his thoughts using a looking machine, which allowed him to speak by selecting words from a screen, which were then spoken by a computer.

In his emotional final words featured in the BBC documentary, Rob expressed his hope for a future without MND: “I hope that one day we will find a cure and live in a world without MND. By the time you see this I won’t be here anymore, I’m just a lad from Yorkshire who has achieved his dream of playing Rugby League,” the Mirror reports.

He also shared his personal reflections on the impact of his diagnosis, especially as a father: “As a father of three young children, I would never want any family to go through what my family has had since my diagnosis. I hope I’m gone. a sign of disease. I hope it shows that you are living the moment. I hope you find inspiration in the whole story.

“My final message to you is any personal battle, be brave and face it. Every day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow, again. “

The touching words were part of an emotional message that likely moved many viewers to tears, recorded with the blessing and knowledge of his family. His wife Lindsey is understood to have been with him as he delivered this heartfelt speech.

The documentary entitled There’s Only One Rob Burrow was produced by BBC Breakfast with the full support of the Burrow family. It intimately explores Rob’s life both on and off the rugby field and was given Rob’s personal approval before his untimely death on Sunday 2 June aged 41.

Rob has dedicated his entire rugby league career to Leeds Rhinos, contributing to their eight Super League titles. His motor neurone disease diagnosis came in 2019, just two years after hanging up his boots after a remarkable 17-season career.

Following his MND diagnosis, Rob became an ardent fundraiser and advocate, working tirelessly to raise awareness of the disease and enhance care and research efforts. His outstanding contributions to rugby league and the MND community earned him an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honors and he was further honored with a CBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honours.

The new 30-minute documentary chronicling his illustrious career and advocacy work premiered on BBC One tonight, with an extended 45-minute version to be released on BBC iPlayer later in the week.

Earlier in the day, Rob’s wife Lindsey Burrow described him as “loving, kind and caring” and pledged to carry on his legacy following the announcement of his death. In her candid words, Lindsey shared with Leeds Rhinos: “I was incredibly proud and lucky to call Rob my husband.”

She expressed immense pride in his advocacy work, saying: “I am incredibly proud of the campaign he has done to raise awareness and the millions of pounds that have been raised on his behalf for organisations. MND charities”.

Lindsey expressed her gratitude to the Rugby League community for their overwhelming support: “I would like to thank the Rugby League community and everyone for the outpouring of love and support since Rob’s diagnosis. I really appreciate every message of support and fundraising that has been Completed.”

Determined to honor Rob’s memory, she said: “My priority is to make Rob proud and raise our three children as Rob would have wanted and ensure their happiness and well-being. We will continue to keep Rob’s legacy alive. We will continue. ‘let’s beat the drum’ and do our best to try to help others.”

Despite anticipating this difficult time, Lindsey confessed, “Even though I knew this day would come, I’m still somehow at a loss for words that our loving, kind and caring husband and father is gone.”

Finding comfort in the outpouring of support they have received, she added: “However, we are comforted by how much people’s continued love and support has meant Rob through his most vulnerable times. It was simply the best.” Rob leaves behind his beloved wife Lindsey and their three children; Jackson, Maya and Macy.