Viewers have been left in tears by the heartbreaking opening words Rob Burrow declared in a documentary that aired after his death.
The rugby league star died on Sunday at the age of 41 having been diagnosed with MND two years after his retirement from the sport in 2019.
As tributes poured in following his death, fans have been left heartbroken over a BBC documentary which aired on Monday night.
In the special programme, titled There’s Only One Rob Burrow, the Leeds Rhinos legend and MND campaigner began: ‘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.
‘I am just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream of playing rugby league.’
At the end of the documentary, Rob added: ‘As a father of three young children I would never want any family to have to go through what my family have since my diagnosis.
‘I hope I have left a mark on the disease. I hope it shows to live in the moment.
‘I hope you find inspiration from the whole story.
‘My final message to you is whatever your personal battle be brave and face it.
‘Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment.
‘In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream.
‘Rob Burrow, over and out.’
Viewers have been left in bits at the ‘poignant’ words, with X user Kate writing: ‘”By the time you watch this I will no longer be here” what an absolute killer of an opener. If you plan on catching it on iplayer, bring the tissues. Absolute inspiration that transcended the game.’
Kerry said: ‘Absolutely inspirational! Was in tears watching this.’
‘That was so so sad. Watched through tears. Brave lad right to the very end. Sleep well Rob,’ @Cazcharl1 added.
The documentary showed archive footage as well as interviews with Rob’s teammates, family members including his wife and children, and clips of him throughout his life and career.
In a moving tribute released on Monday, his wife, Lindsey Burrow, described him as ‘loving, kind and caring’ and vowed to keep his legacy alive.
‘I am unbelievably proud of the campaigning he’s done to raise awareness and the millions of pounds that have been raised in his name for MND charities,’ she said.
After his diagnosis, Burrow and his former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Kevin Sinfield, helped raise over £15 million for charity to raise awareness and fund research into MND.
In Leeds, the groundbreaking of the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital went ahead as planned at Burrow’s request, with his family saying he ‘would be looking down and smiling’.
Burrow’s close friend and former team-mate Sinfield attended the ceremony, along with Burrow’s parents Geoff and Irene Burrow, and his sisters Joanne Hartshorn and Claire Burnett.
Burrow spent his entire rugby league career with Leeds Rhinos and helped them win eight Super League titles.
He was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours list for his services to rugby league and the MND community and was promoted to a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.
There’s Only One Rob Burrow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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