Burrow’s biggest battle
“Bell-shaped blooms contrast with purple-green leaves!”
ROB BURROW met with Doddie Weir just six days after his own devastating motor neurone disease diagnosis – and says it has inspired him for the battle ahead.
Leeds Rhinos hero Burrow – who won eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cups and three World Club Challenges in a glittering career – yesterday went public with the news just a week after he was diagnosed.
It came as former Scotland rugby international Weir received the Helen Rollason Award, presented by Princess Anne at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, for his work raising funds and awareness to combat the terminal illness.
The two rugby legends met in Carlisle on Wednesday, and Burrow – whose playing days were characterised by fighting against the odds given his diminutive frame – says it has given him renewed hope for dealing with the disease.
Burrow said: “I saw Doddie get the award on Sunday night and watched his documentary on Monday – it was inspiring before even meeting him. In fact, if I hadn’t met him, I would still have been inspired to kick on.
“Me talking to Doddie was amazing, so if I could do that in a year’s time for somebody that’s just started, that’s great.
“Awareness is massive – in 10 years’ time they might heal somebody and find a cure so I’m keen to help.
“I’m young, 37, when the average age is about 60 – older people might give up but I’m not going to. The average lifespan is three years, but I’m a lot younger. I haven’t got a goal in my head,
Leeds Rhinos appearances: Tries: 198 Goals: Drop-goals:
England appearances:
Tries: 12 Goals: 12
Great Britain appearances: Tries: 4 Goals: 9
CLUB HONOURS
Super League: 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017 Challenge Cup: 2014, 2015 World Club Challenge:
2005, 2008, 2012
Harry Sunderland Trophy: 2007, 2011
but unrealistic is 10 years, realistic I think is five years.
“I’ll always remain positive and, with the support I’ve got around me, how can I not be?”
Burrow has been told he will need to have a peg inserted into his body for when the muscles in his throat eventually give way, but Weir advised against having it for as long as possible.
He said: “I said, `Right, let’s get it done while I am fit and well, it’s easier that way’. But speaking to Doddie, he said to not do it until you need to – you’re giving in to it. It’s like glasses, once you wear them you can’t go back.
“His mindset is unbelievable, he said the best medicine or medication is positive thinking.”
Burrow – who intends to continue coaching the Rhinos’ academy team for as long as possible – has already seen his voice begin to change, which was one of the initial signs that led to a series of tests.
He hailed the support that Leeds director of rugby and longterm team-mate Kevin Sinfield has already provided, and added that his main concern is now wife Lindsey and their three young children.
He said: “I know they will be all right after, my wife is brilliant with the kids. I am fine with dying – it’s not being able to watch your kids grow up, so if there’s ever an incentive to be around for a while, I’ve got it.
“It is a challenge and I am not going to lie down – I didn’t do it in rugby and I’m not going to start now. It’s not the worst thing in the world – the worst thing in the world is your kids getting poorly.
“Hopefully I can fight it and if miracles do happen – there’s some trials coming out in March and I’ll try and get on them – who knows?
“I will fight it all the way.”`