The life-affirming memoir of Lindsey Burrow, the working mother of three young children who has inspired the nation through her selfless commitment to husband Rob Burrow (CBE), the rugby league legend she has cared for full time since his Motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis
*A Pride of Britain Award Winner*
‘Lindsey is inspirational’ BBC Breakfast ‘Superwoman’ Daily Mail
Co-written by two-time William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award winner Donald McRae, Take A Memoir of Love, Family & Never Giving Up explores the deepest reserves of resilience, personal sacrifice and hope that Lindsey Burrow has exhibited on a daily basis since her family’s life was upended by the terminal MND diagnosis. Juggling her day job for the NHS as a physiotherapist, with round-the-clock care for Rob, who cannot move or talk, and can only eat with Lindsey’s assistance, she has simultaneously raised her brilliant young family and helped to raise awareness for MND. The efforts of Rob, Lindsey and Kevin Sinfield have raised over £15 million for charity.
In 2024, Lindsey presented her debut ITV1 documentary, ‘Who Cares for Our Carers?’ which highlighted the emotional and practical hardships faced by thousands of her fellow unpaid carers, whose hidden work is worth an estimated £162bn a year in the UK, the equivalent of another NHS. 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.
I wanted to read this book because I’m a massive rugby league fan (Warrington Wolves supporter) since I was ten years old. Rob Burrow has always been respected as a play when he was playing even more now because of his legacy and how he wanted to kick MND’s ass. As with most sports, their partners are usually only behind the scenes. With Rob’s MND diagnosis, Lindsay was pushed into the starlight. As his wife and his carer, her story is equally important.
This memoir is powerful, inspiration and heartbreaking. Hearing Lindsey’s point of view from the suspicions of MND to the diagnosis to juggling everything that comes with being a carer and a wife of someone with MND. Her perspective was also heartbreaking due to the fact that she works for the NHS, so she knows all the medical jargon and knew what was happening when Rob was put on palliative care. I love that we got to see Lindsey’s backstory with her family and her career and the growing relationship between her and Rob first rather than just focusing on Rob’s story from when he was diagnosed with MND. It’s a powerful reading showing all of the love and support she got after Rob’s passing and the details of his funeral, and I was in tears hearing about Kylie doing the Haka at his funeral. I’ve seen a Haka done and it gave me goosebumps. The thing with this book is some of the tributes Lindsey was describing like at the Wembley final in 2024, I was there. So I was crying again just like I was at Wembley. I never cry at books, like ever.
I loved this book, it was a powerful and important read. It felt like a long interview that made me laugh, cry and want to hug Lindsey so much. I don’t have anything to hate on this book. I think everyone should read this book, even people who don’t know rugby league, or the Burrow family personally. It is such an important read. I am always sending my love and well-wishes to Lindsey, Maya, Macy and Jackson and cannot wait to see how those children grow up because they’ve got a whole community rooting and ready to support them no matter what.
Take Care is the profoundly moving and candid memoir of Lindsey Burrow, wife and carer of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow. Exploring personal sacrifice, resilience, and hope, Lindsey shares the daily challenges faced when caring for someone with motor neurone disease (MND) and documents her incredible fundraising achievements as she continues to raise awareness about the terminal disease.
In December 2019, the Burrow family’s lives were shattered when Rob was diagnosed with MND. With uncertainties and fear of the inevitable, Rob and his family had to quickly adapt to their new circumstances while maintaining the joys and normalities of life. Lindsey details how the couple met as teenagers, with funny anecdotes that embody Rob’s cheeky character, and their journey to parenthood while expressing the pride and anxiety of Rob’s exceptional rugby career. Rob’s impact is tangible, both on and off the rugby pitch, with the rugby giant’s personality shining throughout and the heartwarming bonds he formed with Kevin Sinfield and Barrie McDermott at the forefront. Lindsey’s courage is palpable, raising millions with Kevin to support MND sufferers, which helped form The Rob Burrow Centre, and highlighting the little support family carers receive.
Pledging not to shed any more tears, the determination to remain positive in times of hardship is admirable, with Rob’s final words epitomising the message in this memoir: ‘Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream.’
what an amazing book, what a brave woman and brave kids and the legend himself Rob.
Im not a cryer but this book brought tears to my eyes. Lindsay truly inspirational woman I'm sure I can speak for many women here, we would all wish to be as strong and brave as you and your amazing kids and husband.
Rob's outlook on it all since the diagnosis and your determination to stick together and enjoy all the time you guys had and being so devoted to Rob. Truly amazing and such a selfless act, wherever he is, He must be proud of you and the kids.
I laughed,smiled and cried throughout reading. Lindsey takes the reader on an absolutely beautiful journey through her life with and the beginning of love without Rob. I'd recommend to anyone, not just fans of the rugby world. Anyone looking for an honest, loving, funny and a times,sad look into a young couple, n families journey through life before,during n just after MND. Lindsey deffo done Rob proud.
Written by the widow of Rob Burrows after his death. This is a story of Lindsey's journey of childhood through to meeting Rob and their journey through his diagnosis of MND, right up to and a little after his death. Her experience of caring for Rob is raw and will have you in tears. It's a book highlighting the plight of carers across the country who struggle to help those they love.
I was totally invested in this inspirational book from the first few pages. Lindsey's open and honest account of their lives once Rob's devastating diagnosis of MND is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Incredibly emotional story of the last years of Robs life and the difficulties Lynsey and the family have to face. The strength of character shown by all the family in the face of such adversity is incredible especially the children. A real inspirational listen - with a few tears shed 😢
Started reading this book today. It’s so real. So genuine. A heartfelt account of courage, dedication and love. There’s sadness but no self pity. Excellent.
A beautiful book by Lindsey. It was very hard to read through the tears. Lindsey is so brave and shows her side of how things have been. Very moving and inspiring.
This is a heartfelt, truthful and inspiring book. It highlights love, caring and positivity against adversity. Thank you Lindsey Burrow for writing your family’s story.
A beautiful and moving account of Lindsey Burrow juggling the demands of being a mum and wife as well as carer to her husband Rob. Very inspiring to read
Reads like a love letter to Rob and her wonderful family alongside the support network that rallied around the family when they needed it most truly brilliant.