childhood sweethearts
Who is Rob Burrow’s wife and carer Lindsey? Meet the late Leeds Rhinos rugby star’s spouse who raised awareness of MND
Lindsay Burrow stood by her husband's side until his tragic passing
LINDSEY Burrow dedicated herself to caring for her husband after his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis 14 years ago.
On June 3, 2024, it was announced that Rob tragically passed away at the age of 41.
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Who is Rob Burrow's wife Lindsey?
Lindsey Burrow is a physiotherapist and the wife of the late rugby star Rob Burrow.
The couple were the subject of BBC2 documentary Rob Burrow: Living with MND.
She opens up about caring for her wheelchair-bound husband in the emotional ITV1 documentary.
In 2023, Lindsey took part in the first-ever Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
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Co-founded by Rob and his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield, the marathon aims to raise awareness for MND (motor neurone disease).
How long were Rob Burrow and Lindsey together for?
The couple got together when they were just 15 years old.
They have three young children together: two daughters and a son.
The couple’s eldest and younger daughters are Macy and Maya, respectively, while their son is called Jackson.
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Lindsey has said that she knew from the "very beginning that I wanted to spend the rest of my life" with Rob.
When did Rob Burrow and Lindsey get married?
The childhood sweethearts finally tied the knot in 2006.
Rob Burrow Interview
Their marriage was a happy one but was hit by tragedy in December 2009 when Rob was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Speaking on their ITV documentary Lindsey & Rob: Living With MND, Lindsey vowed to continue looking after her beloved husband 'while I'm physically able'.
I hope that will inspire people to be more like her...what a world that would be
Rob Burrow
Rob later told BBC Breakfast: "I'm trying not to be soppy but some of the things that Lindsey does for me is proof I've found my one and only.
"I've played with some strong players in my rugby career but no one is as strong a personality than Lindsey.
"I hope that will inspire people to be more like her...what a world that would be."
In turn, Lindsey added: "What keeps me going is I have three beautiful children, I have a husband I adore and I think the world of and is battling a life limiting disease.
"He is an inspiration to all of us. Despite the situation there is reason to smile."
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What was Rob Burrow's cause of death?
The Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend sadly passed away at the age of 41 after suffering from motor neurone disease.
Rob never accepted that he couldn't do something, he just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else
Family Statement
His death was announced on June 3, 2024.
Rob's family released a heartbreaking tribute confirming his death on the Leeds Rhinos website.
It read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend. Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND (motor neurone disease).
"He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
"The outpouring of love and support that rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and half years meant so much to Rob.
"In particular, the rugby league family and the MND community have rallied around rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.
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"For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of mnd over the last four and half years came as no surprise. Rob never accepted that he couldn't do something, he just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else. He will continue to inspire us all every day.
"In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream."
Symptoms of MND
Muscle weakness and stiff joints are common symptoms of motor neurone disease.
Other potential indicators of MND, which affects around 5,000 people in the UK, include a loss of muscle mass, or wasting, and movement and mobility problems.
Stiffness is also common, as are cramps, twitches and spasms.
And many people will experience speech and communication issues, breathlessness and changes in saliva.
MND is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones.
These cells gradually stop working over time, but it's not known why this happens, the NHS says.
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