A new documentary about Leeds’ own Rob Burrow is due to be released this autumn.
In December 2019, former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and told he may only have a year to live, two at the most. Defying the odds, Rob has now reached his 40th Birthday. Documenting moments of the pandemic and post-pandemic, the documentary provides an intimate insight into the life of Rob with his family, friends and wider community throughout the past few years.
The documentary follows everything from visits to hospitals in West Yorkshire where NHS staff have been treating Burrow to watching proud family moments at his children at the children’s school sports day.
His story is one of courage and never giving up, and the documentary offers heartfelt comments from Rob like: “I’m a prisoner in my own body, that’s the way MND gets you, the lights are on, but no one’s home. I think like you, but my mind doesn’t work right. I can’t move my body.”
Rob states throughout the documentary that “he’s not giving in, right until his last breath”, as he has “too many reasons to live”.
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Sally Nugent, BBC Breakfast presenter who has become friends with the Burrow family comments: “This film shares the brutal reality of living with motor neurone disease, not just for Rob, but the impact it has on his whole family and friends. What he is doing will have a lasting legacy for people diagnosed today and in years to come.
“The documentary is an unflinching look at life through Rob’s eyes. We see him fight daily for small victories that we might take for granted. Every breath is a battle. Every moment with his family is a win for them all. But he is as funny today as he was the first day I met him, when he was just one of the greatest rugby league players of all time. He is still that, and so much more.”
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Rob Burrow: Living With MND – a brand new #BBCBreakfast documentary.
An intimate film about a love, support and determination. Tuesday 18th October BBC Two at 7pm ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/V1vIuJ4nOS
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) September 28, 2022
Following the life of Rob’s family, friends and wider Rugby League community, Rob Burrow: Living with MND will be available to watch on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer at 7pm on Tuesday 18 October 2022.
Feature Image- BBC
