LIFE without Rob

Rugby star Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019. His wife Lindsey shares her story

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When I look through photos of Rob, seeing the children tumbling all over him, I can't help but smile - there are so many snapshots of joy that remind me of the wonderful times we spent together.

We met as teenagers, as I used to go to the same dance school as his older sisters. I remember when he took me on a date to see Serendipity at the pictures. We had similar personalities as we were both quite shy, and although it sounds like a cliché he treated me like a princess.

While I was doing my A levels, Rob played his Leeds Rhinos rugby league debut at 17. Then, when I was studying physiotherapy at the University of Manchester, we went to Disneyland Paris and Rob proposed. I was only 19 but I knew he was the one for me.

Winter wedding

We bought our first house in 2001 while I was still at university. I qualified as a physiotherapist in 2004 and got a job at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where I've been for over 20 years. Rob was doing well in his career and we had a beautiful winter wedding in December 2006.

We had our children, Macy, Maya and Jackson, now 12, nine and six, when I was in my late 20s. Immediately, our lives revolved around them and their activities, be that swimming or drama classes. We relished the simple things - going to the park or the cinema, or watching TV cuddled up on the sofa together. Now 41, I look back and remember life felt pretty perfect.