Rob Burrow’s final message to the world has been shared in a BBC documentary following his death at the age of 41.
The former rugby league player died on Sunday, four-and-a-half-years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). In the video message, Burrow tells viewers to “be brave” in their personal battles, adding: “in a world of adversity, we must still dare to dream.”
“By the time that you watch this I will no longer be here,” Burrow said in the video, which was included in the BBC film There’s Only One Rob Burrow, which was made available on iPlayer on Monday. “I am just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream of playing rugby league.
“As a father of three young children, I would never want any family to have to go through what my family have since my diagnosis. I hope I have left a mark on the disease. I hope it shows to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration from the whole story. I hope one day we find a cure and live in a world free of MND.
“My final message to you is, whatever your personal battle, be brave and face it. Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow, over and out.”
Earlier on Monday, Burrow’s wife, Lindsey, has paid a moving tribute to her “hero” in a statement released by his former club, Leeds Rhinos. “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our devoted husband and father,” she said.
“I was incredibly proud and fortunate to call Rob my husband. I am unbelievably proud of the campaigning he’s done to raise awareness and the millions of pounds that have been raised in his name for MND charities.
“I would like to thank the rugby league community and everyone for their outpouring of love and support since Rob’s diagnosis. I truly appreciate every message of support, and fundraising that has been done.
“My priority is to make Rob proud, and to bring our three children up as Rob would want and ensure their happiness and well-being. We will continue to keep Rob’s legacy alive. We will continue to ‘bang the drum’ and do our best to try and help others.
“Although we knew this day would arrive, I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our loving, kind and caring husband and father has departed. However, we take comfort from how much people’s love and continued support meant to Rob through his most vulnerable times. He was simply the best. Our Hero.”
In Leeds, the groundbreaking of the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital went ahead as planned at Burrow’s request, with his family saying he “would be looking down and smiling”.
Burrow’s close friend and former Leeds teammate Kevin Sinfield attended the ceremony, along with Burrow’s parents, Geoff and Irene, and his sisters Joanne Hartshorn and Claire Burnett.
The Rugby Football League has also confirmed extensive plans to celebrate Burrow’s life at the Challenge Cup final between Warrington and Wigan at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
