Rob Burrow: rugby star recorded family messages before his death

Motor neuron disease (MND) campaigner Rob Burrow has recorded a series of messages for his children which will be released at special times in their lives as they grow up, his wife has revealed.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Lindsey Burrow said she “can’t express” how proud she is of Great Britain and England rugby league stars Leeds Rhinos.

Lindsey says that as the face of MND, Burrow left an incredible legacy and “made the world a better place.”

Her family was inundated with messages of support over her death, including a “heartfelt” message from Prince William, she said.

Burrow was 41 when he died on June 2. In a video released after his death, he urged people not to “waste a moment” of their lives.

Rob and Lindsey Burrow married in 2006 after first meeting as teenagers and had three children, Jackson, Maya and Macy.

But Lindsey revealed he also left private messages for his family.

“I know Rob left messages there for the kids. At the moment, it’s too raw to go look in the machine but there are birthday messages in there, there are messages for the future.”

Lindsey says she received messages of support from around the world following her husband’s death, including a personal message from Prince William who said he was paying tribute “as a parent.”

“It really touched me and the children and his words will stay with me forever,” she told BBC Breakfast.

Burrow’s MND diagnosis came two years after his retirement from the game. His 17-year career with the Rhinos, England and Great Britain included eight Super League Grand Final victories, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups in over 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017.

Lindsey’s BBC Breakfast interview airs on World MND Awareness Day and ahead of Leeds Rhinos’ first home game since her husband’s death.

They face Leigh Leopards in a sell-out match at Headingley which will give rugby league fans the opportunity to remember Burrow.

The club’s players will wear a specially designed kit with an image of Burrow and Sinfield on the back.

For every replica jersey purchased by fans, a £10 donation will be made to Leeds Hospitals’ charity appeal in support of the Rob Burrow Center for MND.