Thought For The Day – Wednesday 11^th June 2025

This week is Carers’ Week in the U.K.  The theme for 2025 is: “Caring About Equality”.

It is just over one year since the passing from this life of Rob Burrow C.B.E.

Rob was an outstanding Rugby League player with Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain. In a Leeds team full of stars, Rob, five foot five in height,  stood the tallest and shone the brightest.

In the last few years, Rob became beyond inspirational in his fund and awareness – raising for, and fearless courage with, Motor Neurone Disease, from which he suffered for the last four and half years of his life.  Throughout, and in such adversity,  Rob was a visible leader, always showing such care, good humour, positivity and resilience.

In the midst of such suffering, Rob cared for others.  Funds were raised for M.N.D. charities generally and to build a centre and hospital in Leeds to support all those with the illness and to research the condition further.  This important place bears Rob’s name and will help and care for so many in the future.

Upon his passing from this life, Rob’s family said: “Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something. He just found his way of doing it better than anyone else.”

Rob’s final message is here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cl44vdl5j67o

“Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream”, said Rob in now famous words.

People cared about, and cared for, Rob, inspired by Rob’s care of, and for,  others.  Rob’s former team mate with Leeds, an outstanding Rugby player and now coach in his own right, Kevin Sinfield C.B.E. has raised over £11 million running ultra-marathons.  In a run in Leeds, Kevin famously wheeled Rob round the course, and carried and embraced Rob over the finish line.  Kevin has spoken very eloquently, movingly, poignantly and thoughtfully  about his friend.  The story of the friendship of Kevin and Rob is told in Kevin’s book “The Extra Mile”.

Rob’s main carer was his wife, Lindsey.  “It was an honour to be cared for by the only woman I ever loved”, very movingly said Rob.  Lindsey’s positive spirit and resilience, and that of the family,  is also beyond words.  This is documented in her recent book “Take Care”.  Lindsey has continued the epic fund and awareness raising.  Lindsey recently ran the London Marathon.

Rob will always be with:  Lindsey;  his three children;  his mum and dad;  his many friends; and the millions he has inspired and will always inspire.

Lindsey has highlighted the work so many carers do. Carers show true devotion and love.

Caring for others represents the very best of people and the world.

We may tribute this week to all who care for others, particularly those who care for people experiencing physical and mental challenges. 

We greatly thank, and massively appreciate, the caring professions, at home, in homes and in hospital, and all unpaid carers, particularly in the family and community.