Lindsey Burrow – Taking Care
This month marks the first anniversary of the devastating death of rugby league’s Rob Burrow. A player characterised by bravery on the pitch, that courage hit new heights off it as he faced up to a life-changing diagnosis of MND and tackled it head on, raising awareness of the disease considerably and changing lives immeasurably. But the battle was not his own; by his side throughout it all was his brave, loving and supportive family, led impressively by wife Lindsey. In Taking Care, she shares the personal story of her life with, and tragically without, her soulmate Rob.
Beginning poignantly at the end with her husband’s funeral, Lindsey takes readers back right back to the start, through the early days of her and Rob’s fledgling romance, the stories of Rob’s rugby life, including his notorious changing-room antics, to the joys of building a family together. Then comes the harrowing diagnosis that would ultimately bring their world crashing down. She shares the pain and grief that rock the family, but she also shares the strength, determination and love that help to make the most of their life together, turning a spotlight on the millions of unpaid carers who look after someone they love.
While Rob’s story moved the nation’s hearts in the years following his diagnosis, it’s impossible not to be touched once more by Lindey’s heartfelt memoir. Whether or not you’re a rugby league fan or sports fan, this book speaks to everyone of the true meaning of family and love.
Reviewed by Jade Craddock.