ROB Burrow's heartbreaking final words to his family have been revealed in an emotional video.
Heart-wrenching footage shows the former rugby star wishing for a "world free of MND" before he died aged 41 following a brave four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease.
"I want to live in a world free of MND," said Burrow.
"By the time you watch this I will no longer be here.
In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream
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"I'm just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream of playing rugby league."
His pre-recorded final words to his family were aired on the BBC One special programme There's Only One Rob Burrow on Monday evening.
Burrow spoke about receiving his diagnosis and said: "My family told me I was slurring my speech a bit but I didn't take notice or believe them."
Meanwhile, devastated widow Lindsey said: "I remember that moment being told it's not good news.
"Asking how long and them saying two years. Rob said thank god it's me and not the kids. That's all he was bothered about."
Inspirational Burrow described himself as "a fighter" in his message and said: "I'll certainly be swinging, I'm not going to give in, not until my last breath.
"I'm a prisoner in my own body, that's the way MND gets you.
"I think I would've broken down if it was me but Lindsey has this unwavering patience."
The rugby legend also recalled childhood memories of playing the sport.
"The guys always seemed to be a lot lot bigger than me. It inspired me to be more determined."
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'ROB BURROW, OVER AND OUT'
In his final emotional final message, Burrow said: "As a father of three young children I would never want any family to have to go through what my family have since my diagnosis.
"I hope I have left a mark on the disease.
"I hope it shows to live in the moment.
"I hope you find inspiration from the whole story.
"My final message to you is 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.
"Rob Burrow, over and out."
'SIMPLY THE BEST'
It comes after his widow Lindsey shared a poignant tribute to her late husband.
In her statement, she wrote: "Although we knew this day would arrive, I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our loving, kind, caring husband and father has departed.
"I was incredibly proud and fortunate to call Rob my husband.
"I am unbelievably proud of the campaigning he's done to raise awareness and the millions of pounds that have been raised in his name for MND charities.
"I would like to thank the Rugby League community and everyone for their outpouring of love and support since Rob's diagnosis. I truly appreciate every message of support, and fundraising that has been done.
"My priority is to make Rob proud, and to bring our three children up as Rob would want and ensure their happiness and wellbeing.
"We will continue to keep Rob's legacy alive. We will continue to 'bang the drum' and do our best to try and help others.
"We take comfort from how much people's love and continued support meant to Rob through his most vulnerable times.
"He was simply the best."
On Monday, the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital was opened in a touching ceremony at Rob's request.
His close friend and former team-mate Kevin Sinfield attended the occasion with Burrow's parents Geoff and Irene Burrow, alongside sisters Joanne Hartshorn and Claire Burnett.
Mrs Burrow told reporters: "I said this is what Rob would want and I think he'd be proud that we all pulled ourselves together and got the strength to come, and we're doing it for Lindsey and the kids.
"He'll be looking down on us and he'll be going 'thumbs up'. We're so proud to be here and it's amazing what you can achieve."
Mr Burrow added: "It's amazing what a little man can achieve. You can achieve big things.
"As Rob says, in a world full of adversity you must dare to dream. We're dreaming of when this opens."
Before his death, Burrow had led a £6.8million charity appeal for Leeds Hospitals Charity, where he received care, for a centre for those with MND.
Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours list for his services to rugby league and the MND community and was promoted to a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.
The former rugby player was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career.
He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield's Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.
The small but mighty rugby icon played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation.
He scooped eight Super League titles in an illustrious playing career while also representing England and Great Britain internationally.
The Prince of Wales paid tribute to Burrow describing him as a “legend of Rugby League” who had a “huge heart”.
William added: “He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’.”
