“ROB WAS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE” — LINDSEY BURROW’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE TWO YEARS AFTER LOSING HER HUSBAND

The widow of rugby legend Rob Burrow opens up about the grief that still catches her unexpectedly, the three children keeping his memory alive, and the promise she made to keep living life to the fullest.

Two years after losing her beloved husband, Lindsey Burrow says the pain of his absence can still strike when she least expects it.

Sometimes, it takes nothing more than a familiar song playing in the car. At other times, seeing a father standing beside his child at a football match reminds her of the moments Rob should still be sharing with their family.

Rob Burrow, the much-loved former Leeds Rhinos rugby league star, died in June 2024 at the age of 41 following a battle with motor neurone disease (MND). His dєatᩚh left Lindsey and their three children facing a future they had never imagined.

Now, Lindsey is speaking candidly about life without the man she loved since they were teenagers, revealing that although she is determined to move forward, grief remains an unpredictable part of everyday life.

“Rob was the love of my life. No one will ever take his place,” she said, reflecting on the possibility of finding love again.

The couple had been married for 17 years, sharing a relationship that began when they were young and grew into a family life filled with love, memories, and challenges they faced together.

For Lindsey, the years they shared remain something she is deeply grateful for, even as she continues to come to terms with losing him.

WHEN THE SMALLEST MOMENTS BRING BACK THE PAIN

Grief does not always arrive on anniversaries or other significant dates. Sometimes, it appears in the middle of an ordinary day.

Lindsey explained that a song playing while she is driving can suddenly bring Rob back to mind, leaving her overwhelmed by memories.

Watching other fathers spending time with their children can be just as difficult, particularly when she sees moments that Rob should still be there to enjoy.

One of the hardest things, she revealed, is knowing that Rob is no longer able to watch their son Jackson play football.

Seeing other dads supporting their children reminds her of what her family has lost and of the everyday experiences they can no longer share with him.

Yet Lindsey continues to find ways to carry that love with her, allowing herself to experience both the difficult days and the happier moments without feeling that one cancels out the other.

THREE CHILDREN KEEPING THEIR DAD’S MEMORY ALIVE

Throughout the heartbreak, Lindsey says their three children — Macy, Maya, and Jackson — have given her strength beyond what they may ever realise.

The family talks about Rob every day, ensuring that their father remains part of their lives even though he is no longer physically beside them.

At home, they also keep memory jars filled with reminders of the time they shared together. These precious keepsakes give the children opportunities to revisit memories, talk about their dad, and hold on to the moments that mean the most.

Lindsey believes the children’s resilience reflects the example Rob set during his life and throughout his illness.

She remembers him as a devoted father who wanted to spend as much time as possible with his family. He would hurry home from events because he wanted to be with the children, making ordinary family moments a priority.

For Lindsey, the children have become a source of comfort and motivation as she learns to navigate life without her husband.

“They’re the reason I wake up with a smile in the morning,” she explained, expressing how much they mean to her.

Although they miss their father terribly, keeping his memory alive has become a natural part of family life — not something reserved only for special occasions.

 THE PROMISE SHE MADE TO ROB

Before Rob died, Lindsey made him a promise: she would continue living life to the fullest.

It is a promise she remains determined to honour.

“I made Rob a promise that we’d keep living life to the full,” she said.

But she is also honest that moving forward does not mean the sadness has disappeared. There are good days and bad days, moments of laughter and moments when the reality of his absence feels overwhelming.

Her determination is not about forgetting Rob or pretending that life is the same without him. Instead, it is about continuing to create meaningful experiences for their children while keeping their father’s love and influence close.

Lindsey has spoken about how Rob faced his motor neurone disease diagnosis with remarkable positivity. Diagnosed in December 2019, he used his public profile to raise awareness of MND and help other families understand the devastating condition.

His courage became an inspiration to people far beyond the rugby league community.

For Lindsey, the way he approached life continues to guide her as she raises their children and tries to find happiness amid the grief.

 A LEGACY THAT REACHES FAR BEYOND RUGBY

Rob was celebrated for his achievements with Leeds Rhinos, but his legacy extends far beyond the sporting world.

Through his openness about MND, he helped bring national attention to a condition that affects movement, communication, and everyday life. His determination to raise awareness gave hope and visibility to families facing similar challenges