[Music] [Applause] wanted to safe [Music] rugby league has seen many Legends but few have left a mark like Rob burrow with a career spanning over a decade Rob's passion talent and dedication have inspired countless fans and players alike from his early days at leads rhinos to his courageous battle against motor neuron disease Rob story is one of strength resilience and heart today we are honored to present a special docu mentary tribute to Rob burrow a true icon of the sport be sure to subscribe and watch until the end as we honor The Life and Legacy of Rob burrow Rob burrow was born on September 26th 1982 in ponr West Yorkshire growing up in a tightnit family Rob was always driven to succeed from a young age his passion for rugby was evident he joined his local Club featherston Rovers and quickly made a name for himself as a talented young player in 2005 Rob met his future wife Lindsay introduced by mutual friends they quickly hit it off and formed a strong bond they married in 2010 and soon started a family welcoming three beautiful children Maya Jackson and Lola as Rob's family grew so did his rugby career joining Leeds rhinos in 2001 he rapidly became an integral part of the team his dedication and talent earned him numerous accolades including Seven Super League titles two challenge cups and the prestigious man of Steel award in 2007 Rob's illustrious career saw him rise to become one of the greatest scrum haves in rugby league history after an exceptional run he retired from professional rugby in 20117 leaving behind a legacy of passion skill and resilience just thought now was the right time you know and I'm really passionate about sort of the next chapter in being involved in the youth December 2019 Rob's World was turned upside down when he was hospitalized due to concerns about slurred speech you have good days bad days but um I just under 3 weeks so you know I got the results and diagnose when I went to see The Specialist and we expecting you know to be told I have something which can be trat and move on and get away your life following tests he and his wife Lindsay received devastating news Rob had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease m andd and was given a life expectancy of less than 2 years at the age of 37 according to Lindsay on their way home from the hospital Rob was calm and grateful that it happened to him and not his wife or children despite knowing that M andd had no cure Rob vowed to fight fiercely for his life the couple faced the difficult task of explaining the harsh reality to their children Maya Jackson and Lola when they asked if their father would die with courage and honesty they revealed that there was no cure for the disease Rob's parents Jeff and Valerie were a constant source of support and strength for their son they had always been proud of Rob's accomplishments and were heartbroken by his diagnosis Jeff and Valerie were there for Rob every step of the way offering a shoulder to cry on and a helping hand whenever needed Irene and Lindsay in particular they're so strong and um I'm not the strong Rob began raising awareness about M andd to support other patients and raise Global awareness his diagnosis deeply affected the rugby Community prompting his friends to launch fundraising campaigns to assist him and his family Kevin sinfield Rob's dear friend and former Leeds rhinos Captain played a crucial role in supporting him through his challenges together with fellow athletes he coordinated various fundraising events in May Rob's wife Lindsay and Kevin sinfield participated in the Rob burrow leads Marathon they raised an impressive sum of over 15 million pounds for charity in under 5 years Kevin stood by Rob's side throughout his journey offering unwavering support until the very end as the disease progressed Rob experienced weakness and paralysis in his muscles including those used for walking speaking and swallowing he underwent various treatments and therapies to manage his symptoms including speech therapy initially relying on assist technology for communication Rob used ey gaze technology to select letters and words on a screen which were then converted into speech later he employed a more advanced system that incorporated an AI generated voice created from recordings of his natural speech allowing him to communicate with his signature Yorkshire accent despite losing his ability to speak approaching his death Rob burrow recorded a poignant message for a BBC documentary to be shared after his passing with his voice weakened by the disease Rob delivered a heartfelt message I know my time is limited Rob said I want to leave a message for my loved ones and everyone who has supported me he continued I grateful for the time we've had together I want to encourage everyone to make the most of their time and cherish every moment his final words resonated deeply 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 my final message to you is whatever your personal about 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 unfortunately on June 2nd 2024 Rob burrow passed away surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous 4-year battle with motor neuron disease m andd his funeral was held on July 7th 2024 at ponr crematorium a day that was also designated Rob burrow day in honor of the number seven shirt he wore during his time at leed's rhinos Rob Burrow's bravery and resilience inspired countless people worldwide showing that even in the darkest times there is always hope and a way to make a difference his legacy especially his fight against M andd will never be forgotten and will continue to inspire others story is a powerful reminder May his soul rest in Eternal peace