Rob Burrow: Documentary viewers praise ‘courageous’ family during emotional look at life with MND

Virgin Radio

9 Jun 2023, 08:53

ITV viewers were brought to tears watching the special documentary about former rugby player Rob Burrow and his life with motor neurone disease. 

The sporting star was diagnosed with MND in 2019, and wife Lindsey took on the role as full-time carer while also looking after their children, Maya and Jackson. 

ITV aired the episode of Tonight, called Lindsey and Rob: Living with MND, on Thursday (8th June) which detailed the progression of the degenerative disease and the impact it's had on Rob’s life, as well as the daily life of his family. 

“There are days where you just want to pull the duvet back over your head and you think, why is this happening? Why me?,” Lindsey said during the doc. 

"But you look at Rob and you look at the situation that he’s in and it suddenly brings you back to reality. If he can do what he does and face that with a smile on his face, then we can keep going,” she added. 

Rob’s former Leeds Rhinos teammate and friend Kevin Sinfield has worked tirelessly to raise money for MND charities, running countless marathons and even seven ultramarathons in 2022. In emotional scenes at the recent Leeds Marathon, Kevin helped carry Rob over the finish line.

ITV viewers watching at home were left in tears watching the special doc, with many taking to social media to share their praise for the family. 

One fan wrote on Twitter: “Just watched the documentary about Rob Burrow and MND, what an inspirational and courageous family and Kevin Sinfield should get a Knighthood.”

Another said: “Tearing up watching the Rob Burrow documentary there. Such a strong family and really puts into perspective any little problems you may think you might have in your life.”

A third commented: “Well that Rob Burrow documentary finished me off tonight. So moving. What an amazing guy with an incredible family and so much love and support.”

Using his eyes to operate a computer to communicate, Rob shared: "The hardest thing for me is not being able to be the dad I want to be.

"I would give anything to be able to kick a ball with my son or read the kids a bedtime story. It's the small things and things that often we take for granted that having MND makes you appreciate.

"I am extremely proud of Lindsey. I have nothing but admiration for her. Without her, I wouldn't be here today." 

Tonight: Lindsey & Rob: Living with MND is available to watch on ITVX.