A new documentary detailing former Leeds Rhinos captain Rob Burrow aired on BBC Two tonight (Tuesday, October 18).
The documentary followed Rob's diagnosis and how he has lived with Motor Neurone Disease since 2019.
Throughout the documentary, viewers saw in-depth interviews with him and his family, explaining how his condition has affected them and the tireless work he has done to raise awareness about MND.
The heartbreaking documentary began with a look at Rob's childhood, showing old rugby footage of him alongside his incredible performances at Super League level. The programme faced the facts of what MND has done to Rob and saw his wife Lindsey face up to the idea that one day it will take his life.
Rob said in the beginning: "I have too many reasons to live, I am not giving up until my last breath, I am a prisoner in my own body, I think like you but my body doesn't work right."
Viewers saw the toll MND has taken on Rob's body and his family. There was a conversation with his doctor about the 'future' and planning for a time when he is no longer around, something Rob didn't wish to speak about, saying: "
His wife Lindsey Burrow said he does not like to plan for the future but she knows that one day he will no longer be around.
Lindsey said: "He is just so positive and it just ripples through the family, he treated me like a princess and there was never anybody I was going to marry, it's a cliche but it was love at first sight.
"He always says, find somebody else, you know he's still young but there will never be anyone else, no one can ever take Rob's place."
Rob's Dr, Agam Yung, said it was an honour to look after him during the programme and tried to have a conversation about getting him assisted living help.
She said: "It is an extremely cruel condition, you may not be able to speak, swallow or breathe independently, all this leads to dependency and a reduced life span, if do not bring the topic up, they will not have that conversation."
Lindsey broke down into tears and said: "It's really difficult to have those conversations with Rob, I like to plan, I like to be organised but Rob doesn't like to talk about the future, we have had those difficult conversations, I know what Rob wants but I am trying not to think about the end because I don't want to think about a world without Rob, the effect that would have on the children."
Viewers were in tears watching the programme, with many speaking out on social media to say how proud they are of Rob's wife.
@Karen said: "What a remarkable family the Burrow family are! Inspirational. Rob, his wife, and his parents are humbling #livingwithMND @BBCTwo What a testament to love, humour and family."
@Liv said: - "This Rob Burrow documentary, I’m in absolute bits. What a brave man."
@traci said: "RobBurrow wow this is a difficult watch .what an amazing guy ..beautiful family and beautiful wife inside and out!"
@Alison said: "I have not cried so much in a long time. I always thought Rob Burrow was a hero but the real heroes are his family and friends"
Lindsey ended by saying: "I am so lucky to be Rob's wife, despite the situation we are in, would I change things? Of course, I would but we can't, it's devastating, it's heartbreaking.
"I just can't imagine Rob not being here, how will the children manage, how will they cope? But I know the legacy that Rob has left will stand the test of time, but equally, I know that he will be taken away from them.
"I promise you Rob that I will look after those children."
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