Three years ago I interviewed Rob and Lindsey Burrow for the first time:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/07/rob-and-lindsey-burrow
It was one of the most extraordinary interviews I have ever done as, trapped in his body by Motor Neurone Disease, Rob could no longer talk. But he used a device which allowed him to use his eyes to pick out letters on a screen to, slowly, laboriously, form sentences and offer answers to my questions. Rob, a great rugby league player, was helped by his remarkable wife, Lindsey. I interviewed them again later that same year.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/aug/18/rob-burrow-lindsey-interview-leeds-rhinos-rugby-league-mnd
We forged a bond and when, earlier this year, Lindsey asked me to work with her on a book I knew I had to say a resounding 'Yes.'
I have been working closely with Lindsey and her family the last few months. It's a book like no other I've written before and, while it is often harrowing, it is also a beautiful story about love, care and resilience. We have many more months of work ahead but it feels like something special is taking shape.
The book will be published on 27 February 2025 and publication was confirmed earlier this week by the publishers:
"Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House is to publish the life-affirming memoir of Lindsey Burrow, the working mother of three young children who has inspired the nation through her example of love and selfless commitment to her husband, Rob Burrow (CBE), the rugby league legend she has cared for full time since he was diagnosed with Motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019.
"Co-written by two-time William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award winner Donald McRae, Take Care: A Memoir of Love, Family & Never Giving Up explores the deepest reserves of resilience, personal sacrifice and hope that Lindsey Burrow has exhibited on a daily basis since her family's life was upended by the terminal MND diagnosis. Juggling her day job for the NHS as a physiotherapist, with round-the-clock care for Rob, who cannot move or talk, and can only eat with Lindsey's assistance, she has simultaneously raised her brilliant young family and helped to raise awareness for MND. The efforts of Rob, Lindsey and Kevin Sinfield have raised over £15 million for charity."
Lindsey said: 'I am proud of this book. It's been a very emotional experience sharing my innermost thoughts on the page. Rob is the love of my life and these last few years have been extremely difficult at times. But I am given inspiration and strength by him every day, by what he is going through, and by his positivity. I am also given great energy and support by my children and by family and friends, which I hope this book can showcase. Above all, my wish for this book is that by opening up about my family's journey with MND, and the dark and the light that we have experienced along the way, this book may offer some hope and solidarity to other families who are caring for their loved ones. We can do so much more than we think we can, even if we can't quite imagine it at the time. And the love and kindness of others can surprise you every day.'
Rob said: 'You could not put into words how grateful I am to have met Lindsey. I'm trying not to be soppy but some of the things Lindsey does for me is proof that I have found my one and only. No one deserves to have their world turned upside down. Yet she turns up every morning with a smile on her face knowing what the day ahead looks like, knowing I need help with every single thing. How can she still be smiling through the same Groundhog Day? Shower me, dress me, feed me, take me to the toilet, constantly asking if I need a drink or my medication. At the end of the day she has to assist me upstairs and put me to bed. She's also mummy to our three kids - a sort of single parent now. She gives 110% in her role as a physiotherapist, always wanting to help others and putting everyone before herself. I played with some strong players in my rugby career, but no one is a stronger personality than Lindsey. I hope her book will inspire people to be more like her. What a world that would be.'