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What age did Rob Burrow get diagnosed
Rob and MND Burrow, 37, retired from playing at the end of the 2017 season, his final game seeing him winning his eighth Super League Grand Final. He is the club’s Reserve team Head Coach having led the Rhinos Academy team for the past two seasons. The father of three children, all aged under eight at the time of his diagnosis, played his entire career at Leeds Rhinos, making 492 appearances for the club following his debut in 2001, placing him in fifth in the club’s all-time list of career appearances.
- He scored 196 tries for a total of 1,103 points.
- He was capped 15 times by England and played five more tests for Great Britain including a Man of the Series performance in 2007 for the national side.
- He is a two-time winner of the Harry Sunderland Award as Man of the Match in the 2007 and 2011 Grand Final.
He won the Challenge Cup in 2014 and 2015 as well as three World Club Challenges and three League Leaders Shields. Commenting when the announcement was made, Burrow said, “Regrettably, today I am confirming that I have been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
I would like to thank everyone for the support I have received already since being given my diagnosis. I know I have a big challenge in front of me but knowing that I have the love and support of so many people will give me inspiration and strength. I am very positive about the situation and intend to battle the condition as I still feel fit and well.” Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield commented on his friend, saying, “This has been devastating news and heart breaking for Rob and his young family.
The thoughts of everyone at Leeds Rhinos and, I am sure, throughout the Rugby League family is with Rob and his wife Lindsey. Throughout his career, Rob overcame the odds to become a legend of the game and I know he will tackle this challenge with the exact same positive determination.
As a club, Rob will receive our full support and we will be working with him to chart the way forward. I would like to thank Doddie Weir for taking time out recently to meet with Rob and talk about his own personal experiences with MND. The news has been a massive shock and I know it will be similar for his many former team mates, friends and fans in the game.
We will be developing ways we can best support Rob and his family in the future. In the meantime, I would ask you all to keep Rob and his family in your thoughts over the Festive period,” added Sinfield. : Rob and MND
Is Rob Burrow’s wife a physiotherapist
Powerful pictures show how Lindsey Burrow takes care of her husband and rugby league legend Rob Burrow. The former sports star, who has motor neurone disease, is being cared for by his devoted wife Lindsey after the devastating diagnosis. The pair will star in a new ITV documentary on Thursday, Lindsey and Rob: Living with MND, showcasing their day-to-day life and struggles.
- Lindsey said: ” You just want to do what you can, while you can, for as long as you can.
- He’s my husband, I want to care for him.” Lindsey has been with Rob for 17 years.
- The pair have three young children and are teenage sweethearts, reports Mirror Online.
- Read more: Leeds pensioner’s fury after getting cancer ‘from sweeping dust and debris’ Ravaged as 7st Rob, 40, now is, four years after his MND diagnosis in 2019, the task is still Herculean for Lindsey, 40.
Yet she persists, lifting and carrying him from bed to chair, chair to car, refusing carers and equipment. It is only recently she moved Rob’s bed downstairs because she could no longer manage the stairs safely. Lindsey said: “While I’m physically able, I will continue to do that for Rob, and I know he’d do the same for me,” she says, speaking matter-of-factly. Lindsey lifts Rob to and from his bed (Image: ITV) Lindsey, who is a physiotherapist who has worked with MND patients for years, added: “He’ll often say, ‘Thank you for looking after me, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you doing these things’. I know how grateful he is.
“It’s not easy being a carer, but when I look at what Rob has had taken from him I’ve nothing to moan about.” For the superstar Leeds Rhinos and England player, an intensely private man, it was a courageous call to be so open about the degenerative condition, which affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
Thanks to his mission, his and Lindsey’s tireless fundraising, and that of Kevin’s, millions have been raised for MND research and care. “Rob will always be a hero in our eyes,” says Lindsey, who met the “shy teenager” aged 15. Rob Burrow with his wife Lindsey Burrow (right) and Kevin Sinfield during a media day held at Headingley Stadium ahead of Clarion Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2023 on Sunday. Most will disagree after watching a new ITV documentary, Lindsey and Rob: Living with MND, which airs tomorrow.
- Although she certainly runs around.
- While working one day a week as a NHS physiotherapist – Rob’s parents take on his care that day – she spends the rest of her hours as full-time carer and mum to Macy, 11, Maya, seven, and Jackson, three, at their home in Castleford, West Yorks.
- She even completed the Leeds Marathon and has entered the Yorkshire Marathon, in October.
“Rob said he couldn’t be more proud,” she smiles. Rob was initially given two years to live, and today refuses to hear a prognosis. Lindsey explains her husband has now lost all ability to talk, and retains no voluntary movement control, except with his eyes, which he uses to spell messages on a screen. Rob Burrow (Image: LeedsLive) “I don’t think he can really get any worse,” Lindsey admits. She has coaxed him to speak briefly about his end-of-life wishes. She added: “I know roughly, he knows what type of music he’d like. He’s a big Michael Jackson fan.
- Rob has said I’m still young, I should find someone else.
- He just wants us to be happy.
- But he’s still here, still fighting and I know I upset him when I ask those questions.” Yet he rarely shows fear or depression.
- He doesn’t confide in me about struggling,” admits Lindsey.
- She recalls his tears after diagnosis.
But a couple of weeks later he visited Doddie Weir, the Scottish rugby union player also diagnosed with MND, who died last year. “It was a turning point, he instilled so much hope and inspiration,” she says. “Rob came back, saying, ‘Right, we tackle this head on, no more tears.'” Lindsey doesn’t allow him to see her upset, either.
Crying is not going to change the situation, I’d rather make happy memories and spend time happy with Rob,” she insists. “I look at the legacy Rob has created, and I hope my children will think, ‘Look what Daddy did’, hopefully it will help us through difficult times.” Her youngest Jackson, aged one when Rob was diagnosed, struggles to understand.
“He will ask, ‘When will Daddy not have MND?'” she reveals. The girls grasp more. In the documentary, Macy speaks of her daddy “taking his last breath”. Lindsey added: “Rob is still the man I married, he’s just in a body that doesn’t function,” she says.
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How long do people with MND live?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): – This is the most common form of MND, with weakness and wasting in the limbs, muscle stiffness and cramps. Someone may notice they are tripping when walking or dropping things. Life expectancy is usually two to five years from the onset of symptoms.
What is the main cause of MND
What causes MND? – The exact cause of MND is not known. You can’t catch MND from somebody. Generally, MND is believed to be caused because of a combination of environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors. Most cases of MND develop without an obvious cause.
- Around 1 in 10 cases are ‘familial’, meaning the condition is inherited,
- This is due to a genetic mutation, or an error in the gene.
- If you have an MND-related genetic mutation, your children have a 50/50 chance of inheriting that MND-related genetic mutation.
- If someone in your family has MND, other people in the family can be tested for the genetic mutation.
A test is arranged after you have met with a genetic counsellor. You will also receive support and counselling about the possible test results. The test is usually done by a blood sample. People who inherit the genetic mutation have a high chance of developing MND.
What happened to Rob Burrow
But his life changed dramatically with the onset of motor neurone disease ( MND ). He now uses a wheelchair and is cared for by his wife, Lindsey. This weekend, Burrow completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, a sporting event made in his honour.
- The rugby legend was carried over the finish line by his close friend and fellow rugby player Kevin Sinfield at the end of the 26.2 mile race, having got there using a specially adapted wheelchair.
- Since Burrow’s diagnosis, Sinfield has raised more than £8m for people affected by MND, through sponsored running in Burrow’s honour.
Here’s all you need to know about Burrow’s backstory and his battle with MND.
Has Rob Burrow lost his voice?
Rob Burrow has long since lost his voice due to the devastating effects of motor neurone disease, but the bonds he forged in an all-conquering Leeds Rhinos team live on. He regularly swaps messages with Kevin Sinfield, his former team-mate and captain who has raised over a staggering £8 million for MND charities since Burrow’s diagnosis in December 2019.
- Rob’s smart and has never lost that – he knows exactly what’s going on,” says Sinfield, who recently completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, pushing his great friend round the 26.2 miles in a specially adapted wheelchair.
- He’s sharp and I think people have started to understand that.
- With MND, your muscles stop working but the brain functions normally.” “If you read our text messages you wouldn’t know what he’s going through.
I still get the best of Rob Burrow, albeit in a different way.” Burrow’s tragic plight shook the rugby league world, where he is revered after winning eight Grand Finals with Leeds as a brilliant, diminutive half-back. Yet Sinfield has never been far from his side.
Indeed, the ‘band of brothers’ who played together at Headingley have been a huge support network, regularly visiting Burrow at his family home in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Sinfield, who left Leicester Tigers to become England rugby union’s defence coach last December, adds: “We all try and do our bit.
“Within that team we had at Leeds Rhinos, there are some really close friendships and that doesn’t end just because you finish playing.” “We know at any moment if the ‘Batman’ sign goes up and someone is in a bit of strife then we’ll be there for them.
That’s what good team-mates do, isn’t it?” “They look after each other and we all try and support Rob as much as we can. He’s obviously got a busy social calendar and, with his holidays, he’s like Judith Chalmers!” “We’ve also got our own jobs and families, but I try and get over every couple of weeks.
I love seeing Rob and spending time with him.” “Every time I’m with him he makes me laugh, he shows me what fight is and he inspires me. Being with Rob reminds me of what’s truly important in life. I’m very grateful for that.” When Burrow was diagnosed, Sinfield shed a tear and made a vow.
How does Rob Burrow eat?
Symptoms of MND –
- Muscle weakness and stiff joints are common symptoms of motor neurone disease.
- Other potential indicators of, which affects around 5,000 people in the UK, include a loss of muscle mass, or wasting, and movement and mobility problems.
- Stiffness is also common, as are cramps, twitches and spasms.
- And many people will experience speech and communication issues, breathlessness and changes in saliva.
- is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones.
- These cells gradually stop working over time, but it’s not known why this happens, the says.
8 Rob can only eat liquidised foods and has to be spoon fed by Lindsey Credit: ITV 8 Lindsey and Rob with their first born Macy Credit: Richard Walker 8 Pal Kevin Sinfield carried Rob over the finish line of the Leeds marathon Credit: PA 8 The couple have been married for 17 years and first met when Rob was 15 years old Credit: Richard Walker : Heartbreaking moment rugby hero Rob Burrow is carried around the house by wife
What are usually the first signs of Motor Neurone Disease?
Symptoms of motor neurone disease – Symptoms of motor neurone disease happen gradually and may not be obvious at first. Early symptoms can include:
weakness in your ankle or leg – you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairsslurred speech, which may develop into difficulty swallowing some foodsa weak grip – you might drop things, or find it hard to open jars or do up buttonsmuscle cramps and twitchesweight loss – your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over timedifficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations
Does MND affect the brain?
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare neurological condition that causes the degeneration (deterioration and loss of function) of the motor system (the cells and nerves in the brain and spinal cord which control the muscles in our bodies). This results in weakness and wasting of the muscles.
Can you prevent MND
The evidence gained in these studies has often been conflicting and clear conclusions cannot be given. With these limits, it is not yet possible to provide guidance on how to reduce the risk of developing MND. However, research into these factors is progressing.
Who raises money for Rob Burrows?
Leeds Players Association Rob Burrow Fund – Raising more than £100,000 so far, the Leeds Players Association have supported Rob by raising funds. Kevin Sinfield, Leanne Flynn, Phil Daly and Sian Jones have worked together to offer invaluable support to Rob and his young family.
Who is Rob Burrows best friend
Kevin’s heart-warming friendship with Rob Burrow – Kevin Sinfield with Rob Burrow after completing his Extra Mile Challenge of 101 miles in under 24hrs. Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow are two highly regarding sportsman who played together for Leeds Rhinos. The team mates were an unstoppable pair Kevin describes as the he cornerstones of Leeds Rhinos’ success.
- Together they won eight Super League titles in a 14-year stretch, leading one of the country’s most famous clubs through one of rugby league’s most successful dynasties.
- Sadly, it all came to an end when Burrow’s, who was dubbed one of the world’s greatest players, was struck down with MND in December 2019.
Now bound to a wheelchair and unable to communicate without the help of a computer, his condition has regressed rapidly. But the pair are closer than ever, Sinfield was Rob’s inspirational captain on the pitch and is his best mate off it. He has been at Burrow’s side throughout the past few years, just as he was as they steered Leeds around the park to many a famous night in the blue and amber.
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Is MND hereditary?
Genetic testing – We can easily test for faults in the four commonest genes in those MND patients who have also had a close family member with the condition (this is called having a ‘family history’ of MND). These genes are called C9orf72, SOD1, FUS and TARDBP,
- There are a growing number of other genes which have been associated with MND (more than 20 at present), but these are very rare, and currently routine testing is not available.
- Those with a faulty C9orf72 gene more commonly have family members with dementia (FTD).
- We each have two copies of every gene.
Those carrying a fault in a gene leading to MND have a 50 percent (one in two) chance of passing the genetic error on to their children. However, the risk of someone carrying the faulty gene actually developing MND may be lower than 50 percent in some cases.
Individuals carrying the faulty gene may still live long lives and then die of more common illnesses, without ever getting MND or FTD. For this reason, we do not recommend testing family members who do not have any symptoms of MND as this can cause unnecessary worry. Occasionally those who have a family member with MND, and are planning to have their own children, want to consider screening their embryos for the faulty gene to ensure only those without the faulty gene are implanted.
This requires in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, this situation is unusual and needs a detailed discussion with a genetic counsellor. It is important to bear in mind that MND is unlikely to remain so difficult to treat. The prospect for treatment and even prevention of conditions like MND is likely to greatly increase during the lifetime of anyone born today.
How painful is MND?
Motor neurones do not transmit or modify pain signals, so the disease itself is not inherently painful.2 However, pain may be experienced as the disease progresses. Pain may occur at any stage of MND, including early on, with no relationship between pain intensity and length of time since diagnosis.
How close are we to a cure for MND?
Gold: the promise of neuroprotective therapies – It was in March 2020, as a confused world came to grips with the unfolding COVID-19 crisis, that Dr Mahoney quietly began enrolling patients in a new human trial for MND called Rescue ALS, at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre.
The trial involved the use of a novel gold nanoparticle protocol for MND (which is also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS in some countries), Early animal studies in 2019 found gold nanocrystals to be neuroprotective, reducing the loss of nerve cells and improving the function of remaining cells.
It’s thought this helps increase energy production in cells and reduce oxidative stress which in turn may slow down the clinical impact of MND, (which causes a progressive inability to talk, walk and breathe). Gold also has important anti-inflammatory properties, frequently used in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and prostate cancer,
- And unlike many medications, this new formulation of gold can successfully cross the blood-brain barrier.
- I must admit that at the start of lockdown it was very hard to get a clinical trial up and going,” says Dr Mahoney.
- But we enrolled 45 patients form across NSW and South Australia and the one good thing about COVID-19, is that it has spurned a new era of multi-arm drug trials.
So instead of trialling one drug we can do many more at the same time and ultimately this will speed up the time it takes to find medicines to slow, stop or reverse the progression of MND. A cure for the genetic forms of MND is close, probably 3 years away, and we are hoping for a cure for the sporadic form (90% of patients) within the decade.” Judy, who has been part of the trial for 12 months, does not know if she was on the active arm of the trial or the placebo arm for the first nine months.
What are the 3 stages of MND?
Motor neuron disease (MND) refers to a group of rare but severe neurodegenerative diseases in which motor nerves in the spine and brain lose function over time. Early signs include weakness and slurred speech. Motor neurons are nerve cells that send electrical output signals to the muscles, affecting the muscles’ ability to function.
- Motor neuron disease (MND) can appear at any age, but the symptoms usually appear after the age of 50 years,
- It affects more males than females.
- The most common type of MND is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
- The renowned English physicist Stephen Hawking lived with ALS for many decades until his death in March 2018.
The American baseball player, Lou Gehrig, also had ALS. This resulted in people calling it Lou Gehrig’s disease, There are several types of MND. Doctors classify them according to whether they are hereditary or not, and which neurons they affect. The types include:
ALS: This is the most common type of MND. It affects both the upper and lower motor neurons — the neurons in the brain and spinal cord — which then affects the muscles of the arms, legs, mouth, and respiratory system. On average, people with ALS live for 3–5 years after receiving the diagnosis, but with supportive care, some people live for 10 years or longer. Primary lateral sclerosis: This affects the neurons in the brain. It is a rare form of MND that advances more slowly than ALS. It is not fatal, but it can affect the quality of life. Juvenile primary lateral sclerosis occurs in children. Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP): This involves the brain stem, and people with ALS often have PBP, too. It causes frequent choking spells and difficulty speaking, eating, and swallowing. Progressive muscular atrophy: This type of MND is rare. It affects the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and causes slow but progressive muscle wasting, especially in the arms, legs, and mouth. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA): This inherited MND develops in children. There are three types, all caused by a genetic change known as SMA1. It tends to affect the trunk, legs, and arms. The long-term outlook depends on the type.
Motor neurons instruct the muscles to move by passing on signals from the brain. They play a role in both conscious and automatic movements, such as swallowing and breathing. Experts believe that around 10% of MNDs are hereditary. The other 90% develop randomly.
Can females get motor neurone disease
MND is not a common disease. It affects adults and sometimes younger adults. You are likely to be more than 40 years old at diagnosis, and most people with MND are aged between 50 and 70. Men are affected almost twice as often as women, but this varies.