Lindsey Burrow has shared the emotional final act of love from her late husband Rob: a voice recording made for her to listen to after his death, in which he encouraged her to discover happiness once more. The message was created using specialist voice technology after Rob lost his ability to speak as Motor Neurone Disease (MND) progressed.
Lindsey was initially scared of listening to the message meant for her, concerned it would prove too distressing. However, she has now taken that challenging step, hearing words of affection from the man she had shared most of her life with. He told her to move on with her life and find happiness again.
A Message of Love and Encouragement
Rob created recordings for Lindsey and their three children using the specialist voice technology. Their children, Macy, Maya and Jackson, have yet to hear the recordings Rob made for them. Lindsey explained that it felt too raw at the time, but she now feels bad about that. She added that she knows when the time is right, they will listen to them, noting there is never pity, and they just get on with life.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Lindsey clarified that pursuing another relationship was not something she was contemplating, with her attention concentrated on their children. "I don't think about that," she said. "People do say to me, 'I hope you move on,' but it's not about that. My priority is the children, first and foremost. I don't know what the future holds but [finding love again] is not on my agenda."
A Life Shared Since Teenage Years
Lindsey and Rob first met as teenagers at school, embarking on a relationship that would endure for decades. Their world was turned upside down in December 2019, when Rob received a diagnosis of MND at just 37 years of age. Rob passed away aged 41 in June 2024.
When asked by the Mirror whether she could ever contemplate falling in love again, Lindsey firmly shook her head and said: "As long as the children are happy, I'm happy. Rob was the love of my life. No one will ever take his place. It's heartbreaking that he isn't here, but I'm so grateful to have had him as a husband, and father. He taught us that in the darkest of times, there's a strength within us that we don't realise we have."
Lindsey remained by Rob's side throughout his illness, tending to his needs as his condition worsened. She bathed him and carried him upstairs in their home, while the couple continued to discover ways to communicate and support each other. Rob utilised an eye-controlled computer to send her messages, including 'I love you darling' and 'I can't wait to see you'.
Keeping Rob's Memory Alive
Following Rob's passing, Lindsey has remained candid about navigating the loss of her husband while raising their children. She has described how sorrow can strike unexpectedly, yet she remains committed to fulfilling her pledge to Rob by embracing life fully. She said: "Not a day goes by when I don't think about him and talk about him. Rob was so positive in his lifetime. He wanted us to be happy. He showed us how to live life in the moment – and now I cope by not thinking about the future."
Rob's advocacy raised extraordinary awareness of MND, galvanising fundraising initiatives and enhancing public knowledge of a condition that affects movement, speech and, eventually, breathing capacity. His influence endures through campaigners, researchers and families who have been motivated to share their experiences.
New Challenges and Recognition
Lindsey's resolve to assist others has persisted through her own charitable endeavours. She has now revealed she will undertake an 80-mile challenge for Children in Need, transporting the BBC's iconic red sofa across Yorkshire alongside BBC Look North presenter Amy Garcia. The challenge is scheduled to take place over five days, from November 9 to 13, raising funds for the charity and the organisations it assists.
Lindsey said: "I like to take part in fundraising, and to be able to support Children in Need with the incredible work that they do and support the charities, is just really special."
Last week, Lindsey was honoured alongside three other women whose families have been impacted by MND. She joined Annie Moody, Kathy Weir and Joanne Slater in accepting the Campaigning Champions Award at the Women of the Year Awards. Their husbands - Rob, former England rugby international Lewis Moody, Scottish rugby great Doddie Weir and ex-Gloucester player Ed Slater - have all been affected by the illness.
Discussing the honour, the four women stated: "Work like this is simply what anyone in our shoes would do. Being part of this ceremony and surrounded by such incredible support is girl power at its finest." Women of the Year chair Diane Kenwood stated: "Lindsey, Annie, Kathy and Joanne have transformed unimaginable suffering into a powerful movement for change. By speaking out with such honesty and compassion, these women have helped shift the conversation around MND, reminding us of the urgent need for greater awareness, understanding and action. These women's remarkable courage, determination and commitment to making a difference embody everything the Women of the Year Campaigning Champions Award stands for. It is an honour and a real privilege to recognise their achievements."
