Viewers are in tears as Rob Burrow makes emotional final message in documentary after death

Virgin Radio

June 4, 2024, 08:01

BBC viewers were left in tears during the opening moments of a new documentary about Rob Burrow, broadcast after his death aged 41.

The rugby star died on Sunday, five years after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease.

Following the news of his death, the BBC aired a special, There’s Only One Rob Burrow, last night (Monday June 3) and the MND activist made an emotional appeal in the opening moments of the documentary.

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“I hope that one day we will find a cure and live in a world without MND,” he began.

“By the time you watch this, I won’t be here.” I’m just a boy from Yorkshire who got to live his dream of playing rugby. As a father of three young children, I would never want any family to face what my family and children have experienced since my diagnosis.

“I hope I have left a mark on the disease. I hope this shows living in the moment, I hope you find inspiration from the whole story. My final message is this: whatever your personal struggle, 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.

The documentary then ends with Rob’s poignant final words: “Rob Burrow, again and again. »

Viewers were quickly moved to tears from the first moments of the documentary, and many took to social media to praise the athlete’s inspiring message.

“Within moments of watching this. Such admiration for the whole #terrier family,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter), while another said: “Heartbreaking. I laughed and cried at this beautiful tribute. His sense of humor and humility shone through. My thoughts are with his family who let us into their lives to make us aware of this terrible disease. What an inspiration they are. RIP.”

A third said: “Incredibly moving, especially for my husband who lost his older brother to MND. What an incredible, loving and inspiring tribute to a wonderful family dealing with a terrible and heartbreaking illness.

There’s Only One Rob Burrow included archive footage of Rob’s rugby journey up to his diagnosis, as well as interviews with Rob’s family and teammates.

In a moving tribute shared on Monday, Rob’s wife Lindsey described her husband as “simply the best.”

She said (via News from the sky): “Even though we knew this day would come, I still feel at a loss for words about the passing of our loving, kind and caring husband and father.

“I was incredibly proud and lucky to call Rob my husband. I am incredibly proud of the awareness campaign he has led and the millions of pounds that have been raised in his name for MND charities.

Following his diagnosis in 2019, Rob and his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield helped raise over £15million for charity in the hope of funding MND research.

Rob was appointed an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honors List for his services to rugby league and the MND community, and was subsequently awarded the CBE earlier this year for motor neuron disease awareness.

The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio are with Rob’s friends and family.

There is only one Rob Burrow available on BBC iPlayer.