Rob Burrow ‘came back from the dead’ for final goodbye says wife Lindsey | Other | Sport

Rugby League legend Rob Burrow defied the odds just days before his tragic demise on June 2, 2024, revealed his wife Lindsey. The former Leeds Rhinos star, who had courageously battled motor neurone disease for over four years, became a beacon of hope after raising more than £20million for MND charities.

Nationwide, heartfelt tributes poured in for the national hero upon his passing. However, prior to his death, Burrow experienced a critical moment on May 30 when his heart ceased beating, prompting doctors to suggest it was time for final goodbyes.

Yet, in a miraculous turn of events, he pulled through. His wife Lindsey recounts the harrowing yet hopeful experience as she discussed her upcoming memoir ‘Take Care: A Memoir Of Love, Family and Never Giving Up.

In an intimate share with The Sun, Lindsey describes the gripping incident in the hospital room: “As I sat in the corner of Rob’s hospital room with Jackson, watching Ghostbusters together on a ­little DVD player, my husband suddenly started to struggle to breathe.

“Doctors and nurses rushed in as his oxygen levels and heart rate took a dive. We expected to lose him, and a consultant advised us to say goodbye.

“I couldn’t quite believe it. Except, being Rob Burrow, he ­rallies again, giving us time to make special memories. Two sets of blood tests had been assessed that the doctors said showed­ Rob had come through something called Lazarus syndrome.

“I didn’t understand it at first but, then, it sounded miraculous. It occurs when blood circulation returns spontaneously after the heart stops beating. The blood tests told us that, just after lunchtime, Rob had basically come back from the dead.”

Burrow and his wife share three children, two daughters named Macy and Maya, as well as son Jackson. Following his remarkable recovery, the family were granted the priceless gift of three additional days with their beloved father before his passing on June 2.

Burrow’s legacy also inspired his former teammate Kevin Sinfield, who undertook extreme challenges during Rob’s treatment to heighten the awareness of MND.

Lindsey has also shed light on how Sinfield responded to Burrow’s unbelievable turn-around. She said: “Kev Sinfield had been on edge since Rob had been taken into hospital. He came to see him hours after our scare.

“Kev is such a respectful and serious person but he instantly found the right tone, joking with Rob about rallying and him growing a moustache under his oxygen mask.”