BBC viewers in tears over Rob Burrow TV special as tribute branded a 'difficult watch'
Former rugby league player Rob Burrow died at the age of 41 after a four-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
BBC Breakfast: Sally Nugent emotional as she discusses Rob Burrows' life
BBC viewers were left highly emotional on Monday evening as the broadcaster paid a special tribute to Rob Burrow. The former rugby player died on June 2 at the age of 41, after a four-year battle with MND.
Within the first few minutes of the half-hour special, people saw Rob on-screen in his wheelchair. Speaking through a machine, he said: “I hope one day we find a cure and live in a world free of MND.
“By the time that you watch this, I will no longer be here.” It wasn’t long before people watching the feature were moved to tears as members of Rob’s family and friends recalled their fond memories with him.
Social media user @YorkiePuds44 said: “Awww man this Rob Burrow doccy is going to be a difficult watch.” @RavS82 added: “This documentary about #RobBurrow on @BBCOne is a good one, a tough watch. What a champion Rob Burrow has been [sic] RIP Rob Burrow.”
@WillBurnett91 commented: “I'm in bits watching this.” @timmbow wrote: “Hard watching this right now - Rob Burrow what a bl**dy legend!”
@_PhilWorld said: “Really tough and humbling watch this Rob Burrow documentary.”
With @stumat adding: “I'm watching the BBC program about the fantastic Rob Burrow through tears. What a brave family. He will be missed by so many.”
In the special, BBC viewers got to see snippets of Rob’s incredible 17-season career with Leeds Rhinos, which he retired from two years before being diagnosed with MND in 2019.
People also got to see footage of Rob at home with his children and being cared for by his wife, Lindsey.
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Describing MND as being like a prisoner within your own body, the BBC feature highlighted Rob’s fighting attitude.
He said: “I’m a fighter, whilst I might not be able to tackle MND, I’ll certainly be swinging. I’m not going to give in till my last breath.”
In a touching moment, people saw his wife Lindsey in the pool with Rob as he detailed it was good for his movement.
Paying tribute to his wife, Lindsey spoke about their relationship, as she confessed it was love at first sight.
She said: “He always says, find somebody else, you’re still young. But, there will never be anyone else.
“No one can ever take Rob’s place.”
Lindsey was clearly emotional speaking about her husband, as she started to break down in tears.
There’s Only One Rob Burrow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
