Rob Burrow’s speech at BBC Sports Personality of the Year in tribute to his wife has gone viral.
Speaking through a synthetic voice machine that recreates his actual voice, Burrow, who is now non-verbal, said: “I am totally overcome with this award due to the amount of amazing people that have won it before, in particular my MND hero Doddie Weir.
“I don’t think I would be here today without meeting him less than a week into my diagnosis. I will accept the award on his behalf.
“I am inspired to keep going by my friend Kevin Sinfield. The guy who makes the impossible seem possible. My family who have put their lives on hold to care for me, especially my beautiful wife Lindsey and my amazing kids. Lindsey did not expect to sign up for this but she puts me first and foremost. I am not here without her sacrifice.
“Lastly, to the MND sufferers out there. We will not stop. We will find a cure. Thank you.”
Reacting to Rob Burrow’s speech, one fan wrote: “Really humbling watch this. But it restores your faith in decent human beings. We must continue to bang the drum however we can for MND.”
Another commented: “Both Kev and Rob deserve knighthoods in the New Years Honours list.”
A third wrote: “Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow. What amazing human beings.”
Another said: “Kevin Sinfield & Rob Burrow are nothing but heroes & an inspiration to us all to learn from. Top blokes.”
Rob Burrow’s speech:
- Sports Personality of the Year: Beth Mead
- Team of the Year: England women’s football team
- Coach of the Year: Sarina Wiegman
- Young Sports Personality: Jessica Gadirova
- Lifetime Achievement: Usain Bolt
- Helen Rollason Award: Rob Burrow