The Prince of Wales has written a heartfelt foreword for the memoir of Lindsey Burrow, widow of the late rugby league player and motor neurone disease campaigner Rob Burrow. Through his words, Prince William delivers a powerful message of hope, perseverance, and unwavering support for those facing adversity.
The Prince’s contribution to the book, Take Care: A Memoir of Love, Family & Never Giving Up, follows his recognition of Rob Burrow and his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield, both of whom were awarded CBEs in Leeds in January 2024. The awards honoured their dedication to raising awareness and funds for MND research, a cause that became central to Burrow’s life following his diagnosis in 2019.
The Prince of Wales meets with Rob and Lindsey Burrow and their children. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
The Prince had the opportunity to meet Lindsey when he presented Rob and Kevin with their CBEs and was deeply moved by her resilience and positivity in the face of such a heartbreaking situation. In his foreword, Prince William reflects on Lindsey Burrow’s strength and devotion, writing:
‘Despite the advanced nature of Rob’s condition, I was struck by the incredible strength, positivity and resilience of Lindsey.
Rob told me that Lindsey was far tougher than any of any of the men he had played with or against over the years. I know that I am not alone in feeling great admiration for how she’s kept going in the face of such adversity
Those caring for family members themselves shoulder unimaginable burdens. Their selflessness, kindness and compassion for others dramatically reduces pressure on our services, but the work they carry out is often behind closed doors and therefore sadly under-recognised.”
This book contains Lindsey’s story of compassion, perseverance and love. By sharing her story, she is shining a light on those who are dealing with incredibly difficult situations, putting others’ needs before their own and making great personal sacrifices every day.”
I hope this book provides all those going through their own challenges some comfort and optimism, and that it inspires us all to look out for one another.’
The Prince of Wales met with Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield at Headingley Stadium in Leeds to congratulate them on their outstanding efforts to raise awareness of, and funds to fight, Motor Neurone Disease. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
The book will ‘
explore the deepest reserves of resilience, personal sacrifice and hope that Lindsey Burrow exhibited on a daily basis when her family’s life was upended by the terminal MND diagnosis’, according to the publisher.
‘Told in Lindsey’s characteristically humble, charming and inspirational style, Take Care explores her life and shares her honest experiences of finding strength in the good and the bad times, in order to offer readers and families hope to overcome challenges in their own lives. The book sheds a light on the many families across the UK who care for their loved ones with little support. Finally, the book is a rousing call to action, for us all as a society to take better care of one another’.
