"I'm a prisoner in my own body": Rob Burrow's heartbreaking last message
An emotional final message from rugby legend Rob Burrow has been released in the days after his death.
The former footballer died at the age of 41 on Sunday after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, with his former club, the Leeds Rhinos, sharing the news of his passing.
Before he died, Burrow was involved in the making of a documentary about his life by the BBC, titled There's Only One Burrow, only agreeing to appear in the program on the condition it only be used after his death.
In the documentary, Burrow spoke of how the cruel disease impacted his life and how he hoped to raise awareness for MND research.
"I want to live in a world free of MND. By the time you watch this I will no longer be here," he said in the video.
"In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream. I'm just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream of playing rugby league."
His pre-recorded final words were shown to his friends and family on screen, reacting to his words.
"I'm a fighter, to be honest. I might not be able to tackle MND but I'll certainly be swinging, I'm not going to give in, not until my last breath," he said.
"I'm a prisoner in my own body, that's the way MND gets you. The lights are on but no one is home."
Recalling his diagnosis, he said, "My family told me I was slurring my speech a bit but I didn't take notice or believe them."
In an emotional segment of the widow, Burrow's wife Lindsey spoke of how she learnt of her husband's devastating disease.
"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," she recalled.
When asked about his children, Burrow became emotional, saying, "I had no idea how my family would cope. They've become a beacon of hope for families in the same situation as ours."
"I have had such a great life. I have been gifted with the most incredible wife and three children. I hope they know how much I love them."
Burrows finishes the piece, saying. "As a father of three young children, I would never want someone to go through this."
"I hope I have left a mark on this disease. I hope you choose to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration."
"My final message to you is whatever your personal battle to 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."
Image credits: BBC