The world is in shock as we say goodbye to a beloved star. Fans from all over have come together to pay their final respects.
Rob Burrow, the Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain rugby league star, has passed away at the age of 41 in Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. His diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) came just two weeks after retiring in 2019.
Throughout his incredible 17-year career, Burrow achieved great success. He won eight Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges, and two Challenge Cups.
The Rhinos announced his passing, saying, “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 Pinderfields Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.”
Burrow dedicated his entire career to Leeds Rhinos and was part of their golden generation. His hard work, dedication, and fearless performances earned him the respect of his teammates and fans.
After his diagnosis, Burrow, along with his teammate Kevin Sinfield, raised over £15m for charity in less than five years. In recognition of their outstanding efforts, Prince William awarded them with CBEs for their services to MND in 2024. Prince William praised their “phenomenal” work in raising funds and awareness for the disease.
During a funeral reception at Leeds Civic Hall, Burrow was honored by his friends and fans. The event was organized by Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, and attended by former teammate Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MND Association CEO Tanya Curry, and Leeds City Council leader James Lewis.
As the funeral procession made its way to a private service for Burrow, supporters wearing Leeds Rhinos shirts lined the streets. Among them were his wife Lindsay and their three children, Macy, Maya, and Jackson. The hearse paused at Featherstone Lions’ ground, where Burrow first played junior rugby.
“For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and a half years came as no surprise,” stated the Rhinos.
“Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something. He simply found his own way of doing it better than anyone else. He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”
We extend our deepest condolences for this tragic loss. May he rest in peace.
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