Rob Burrow not only revolutionised rugby league on the field, he is revolutionising it off it.
Following his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis in December 2019, Burrow has been at the forefront of the fight against the harrowing disease, helping to raise funds and awareness.
And, having released his own story with Too Many Reasons To Live, the diminutive figure’s own personal life has been thrust into the public eye.
In doing so, Burrow was able to scoop the Autobiography of the Year at the Sports Book Awards at the Oval – a fitting tribute to an incredible man.
Alongside him raising awareness and funds, is friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield who has raised over £5 million in two separate fundraising efforts, with a third planned for later this year.
For Rob, however, the hardest part about living with MND is not being able to look after his three children, Macy, Maya and Jackson, by himself.
He told ITV: “The hardest part is not being able to have the kids on my own, especially Jackson. He has no idea how it feels to be alone with his dad.
“I am thrilled with the front cover of my book because it shows me carrying him and that is massively important to me.”
His wife Lindsay has been Rob’s rock throughout the awful time, but she too is being positive about the situation.
She said: “I think to be told that your husband and father of three children has a year-to-two years to live, which is what we were told back in December 2019, is absolutely devastating.
“But Rob’s still here and he’s still got a smile on his face. He’s still defying the odds. He won’t give up until his last breath.”
Ahead of the paperback version of his book Too Many Reasons To Live being released, Rob also gave an update on his health, stating: “I’m feeling mighty fine, I’ve not felt any worse for over a year. I’m getting used to being as I am now. I’m used to my routine and I’m a professional TV watcher.”
