BRAVE BATTLE
Rob Burrow’s family video leaves SPOTY viewers in tears as heartbreaking scenes show rugby star’s battle with MND
ROB Burrow's family video left Brits in tears last night as heartbreaking scenes showed the rugby star's battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
The touching insight into the former Leeds Rhinos and England player's life was played at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
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The tear-jerking clip was screened before the 40-year-old, who is now non-verbal and bound to a wheelchair, went up to accept an honourable award.
It showed viewers how the rugby legend, who played nearly 500 games for the Rhinos, has had his life completely turned upside down by MND.
Those watching on could see how Rob is totally dependant on his family - with his wife Lindsey carrying him to bed and his mum Irene feeding him.
It also shows Lindsey swimming with her husband, and carrying him to the kitchen so he can watch their children cook.
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Speaking through a synthetic voice machine that recreates his own voice, Rob says over the clip: "Everyone has been amazing for me and the whole family have been there for me in particular Linds and the kids.
"It means everything to me and is the reason why that I will never give in."
He continues: "I had no idea how my family would react the more was taken away from me.
"It seems as though they've become a beacon of hope for families in the same situation as us.
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"I'm determined to get better and I look at all the reasons that I've got to live."
Lindsey adds: "I wouldn't wish MND on anyone, and would I change things? Of course I would.
"It is what it is and we can't change it.
"My focus now is making sure Rob and the children are happy and that makes me happy knowing that they're happy."
She then says: "He won't give in until his last breath and he will fight MND to the very end. As Rob said, he's got too many reasons to live."
Through the entire heartbreaking clip, Rob can be seen lovingly smiling at his family, reducing viewers in the audience and at home to tears.
Rob was last night honoured with the Helen Rollason Award for his work in raising awareness for MND.
The award recognises outstanding achievement in the face of adversity and is named after broadcaster Helen Rollason, who died in 1999 after a battle with colon cancer.
Rob received it alongside former teammate Kevin Sinfield, who has raised more than £7million for MND research and awareness, and Lindsey joined the pair on stage.
Speaking to the audience, Rob said: "I am inspired to keep going by my friend Kevin Sinfield. The guy who makes the impossible seem possible.
"My family who have put their lives on hold to care for me, especially my beautiful wife Lindsey and my amazing kids.
"Lindsey did not expect to sign up for this but she puts me first and foremost. I am not here without her sacrifice.
"Lastly, to the MND sufferers out there. We will not stop. We will find a cure."
Earlier this year Rob appeared on Good Morning Britain, reducing the audience to tears again.
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Meanwhile, just last month the racehorse named after him, which helped raise £100,000 for the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity suffered a career-ending injury.
But, a replacement was quickly found.
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Claims SIX lives daily
MOTOR Neurone Disease is a rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, attacking the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work. There is currently no cure.
It affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at one time and kills six people per day.
Symptoms happen gradually and can include: Weakness in ankle or leg, slurred speech, a weak grip, muscle cramps and twitches, weight loss and difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations.
For info and support, see mndassociation.org.