Zoe Ball tearful during Rob Burrow tribute as she reflects on personal MND loss on BBC show
Ball reflected on the loss of rugby star Rob Burrow
Getty/BBC
Zoe Ball tried to hold back tears on her latest show as she reflected on the death of rugby legend Rob Burrow, who died on Sunday following a battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
BBC radio host Ball, 53, paid tribute to the 41-year-old on her Radio 2 Breakfast Show, recalling another personal loss.
Ball dedicated part of the Monday edition of her show to Burrow and fought back tears as she discussed the sporting icon's fight against his illness.
It came as Ball's colleague Mike Williams addressed the loss of Burrow, commenting: "It is only right that we too pay tribute to Rob Burrow who passed away yesterday.
"A man, who we can all agree, has inspired every single one of us during his near five-year battle with motor neurone disease. He was by so many measures the little man who became a giant."
The station aired a tribute which featured words from Burrow's friends and colleagues, and Ball became overwhelmed with emotion.
Burrow died on Sunday following a battle with MND
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"I sobbed last night when I heard," Ball - who recently lost her mother - said as she held back tears.
She added: "He's an incredible man. We lost our stepdad Rick to motor neurone disease.
"My mum looked after people and passed on advice to other families about what they're going through and helped out the families in the Sussex area."
Concluding her emotional speech, she said of Burrow: "An amazing man. All of the MND family across the UK will be holding him in their hearts.
It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) June 2, 2024
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"Thinking of Lindsey and the children at the moment. Rob thank you for everything you have done for the MND family."
Burrow leaves behind three children and his wife, childhood sweetheart Lindsey.
Ball's stepdad died in 2012 of the same illness, and the presenter is also grieving the loss of her mother Julie Packham - who died in April following a cancer diagnosis.
The 53-year-old took to social media to pen a heartbreaking tribute to her late mother on April 24.
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Ball also lost her stepdad to MND
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The news of Burrow's death was announced on Sunday, with his former team Leeds Rhinos releasing an announcement online.
The statement read: "It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
"Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019.
"He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield's Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week."