Lindsey Burrow Reflects on Late Husband’s Encouragement
Lindsey Burrow, the widow of former rugby star Rob Burrow, discloses that her husband urged her to seek new love after his passing. More than a year after his death, she maintains that dating remains off her agenda, prioritizing their three children.
Rob Burrow, who became paralyzed and lost the ability to communicate following his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis, passed away at age 41 in June 2024. He and Lindsey, now 42, shared nearly 18 years of marriage after meeting as childhood sweethearts at age 15. In his final hours at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, Yorkshire, Lindsey repeatedly watched their wedding video to cherish their shared joy.
Lindsey describes their bond as profound from the outset. ‘There was never going to be anyone else I was going to marry. I knew it from the start,’ she says. ‘He treated me like a princess. It was love at first sight. It can be a cliché, but it was true for me.’
Rob’s Positive Outlook and Recorded Messages
Not a day passes without Lindsey thinking or speaking of Rob, who secured eight Super League titles with Leeds Rhinos. Despite his condition, Rob stayed optimistic, recording messages for Lindsey and their children—Macy, 14; Maya, 10; and Jackson, 7—using specialized equipment in his last months.
In one message, Rob encouraged Lindsey not to remain alone and to embrace future love. Yet, as a single parent, she focuses on family. ‘People do say to me, “I hope you move on,” but it’s not about that,’ Lindsey explains. ‘My priority is the children, first and foremost. I don’t know what the future holds but [finding love again] is not on my agenda.’
In her memoir Take Care, published last year, Lindsey highlights Rob’s unwavering positivity during his MND battle. Their love sustained them through challenges, with Rob using eye-tracking technology to send messages like ‘I love you, darling,’ ‘Have a great day,’ or ‘I can’t wait to see you’ when she was at work.
Caring for Rob and Family Impact
Diagnosed with MND in December 2019, two years after retiring from a 17-season career, Rob relied on Lindsey for daily care, including feeding, bathing, and carrying him upstairs. She identifies the emotional toll on their children as the most difficult aspect.
‘The emotional part for me was that MND robbed Rob of being the dad he wanted to be to our three children,’ Lindsey states. ‘He couldn’t read them a bedtime story or kick a ball about with Jackson as he got older, so that was hard for me emotionally. But it never changed my love for Rob.’
Creating Lasting Memories
The family made cherished moments in Rob’s final days. The children painted his fingers with rainbow ink for their memory book. Lindsey once carried Rob, an avid film enthusiast, to their home cinema for a family viewing of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with the kids on bean bags sharing popcorn. Days later, he entered the hospital for the final time.
Macy and Maya performed in a musical on the day of Rob’s death, at his insistence. They later showed him a recording, which brought a ‘big smile’ to his face and lifted his spirits.
Legacy and Tributes
Rob’s friendship with Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield shone during the 2023 Leeds Marathon, where Sinfield carried him across the finish line. Rob reflected: ‘The Marathon was one of the most important and special events I’ve done… But for me, it was about friendship and crossing the finish line with my mate Kev will live with me forever and it created a platform to raise funds and awareness for MND charities.’
Their efforts raised £16 million, increasing to £20 million after Rob’s death, funding the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds. This pioneering UK facility supports MND care, research, education, and holistic needs.
Prince William presented Rob with his CBE alongside Sinfield at Headingley Stadium and later opened the centre last November, honoring Rob’s request. Following Rob’s death, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a tribute on social media: ‘A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart. He taught us, “in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.” Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy.’
Prince William provides the foreword for Lindsey’s memoir, praising her resilience. In an audio recording, he notes: ‘Despite the advanced nature of Rob’s condition, I was struck by the incredible strength, positivity and incredible resilience of Lindsey. Rob told me she is far tougher than any of the men he has played with or against over the years. I know I am not alone in feeling great admiration for how she has kept going in the face of adversity.’
He adds that the book offers ‘comfort and optimism’ to those facing hardships and inspires mutual support.
What is Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor neurone disease affects people primarily in their 60s and 70s, though it can strike adults of any age. It stems from deteriorating motor neurones in the brain and nerves, with unknown causes in most cases. A family history may increase risk, but it rarely inherits.
Early signs include ankle or leg weakness, difficulty climbing stairs, slurred speech, swallowing issues, weak grip, and gradual weight loss. Consult a GP if symptoms appear; they may refer to a neurologist. Genetic counseling is available for those with family history.
