Rob Burrow: Rugby star recorded family messages before he died

Rob and Lindsey Burrow married in 2006 after first meeting as teenagers and had three children, Jackson, Maya and Macy.

Burrow’s final public message, recorded on a machine that tracks eye movements and converts them into text, was seen and heard by millions as part of the BBC documentary There’s Only One Rob Burrow.

But Lindsey has revealed he also left some private messages for his family.

“I know Rob has left messages on there for the children. At the minute it’s too raw to go and look through the machine but there are birthday messages on there, there are messages for the future”.

Lindsey says she received messages of support from across the world following her husband’s death, including a personal message from Prince William who said he was giving his tribute “as a parent”.

“It was really heartfelt to me and the children and his words will stay with me forever,” she told BBC Breakfast.

Burrow’s MND diagnosis came two years after he retired from playing. His 17-year career with the Rhinos, England and Great Britain included eight Super League Grand Final wins, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups in more than 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017.