Inspirational former rugby star and motor neurone disease sufferer Rob Burrow has tragically died at the age of 41.
The rugby player was diagnosed with the disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career.
He won eight Super League titles with Leeds but after being diagnosed with the illness, he dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community.
He did so with the support of former Leeds teammate Kevin Sinfield.
Heart-wrenching tributes have today poured in for the ‘hero’ who ‘never allowed others to define what he could achieve’.
Former rugby league player Rob Burrow and his wife Lindsey pose for a photograph with his medal after he was awarded his MBE at Windsor Castle in 2022
Burrow during the Betfred Super League semi final between Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC at Headingley on September 29, 2017
Inspirational former rugby star and motor neurone disease sufferer Rob Burrow has died
Rob with his wife Lindsey before the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 12
Rob Burrow alongside wife Lindsey (who ran the half marathon), daughters Macy and Maya and Kevin Sinfield, pictured just a few weeks ago on May 12
Paying tribute today. the MND Association said: ‘Our thoughts today are with Rob’s wife Lindsey, children Macy, Maya and Jackson, family and friends and the rugby community.
‘Rob, who played at number 7 for Leeds Rhinos, lived with this brutal disease in the public eye after choosing to announce his diagnosis shortly before Christmas 2019.
‘He used every opportunity to raise awareness of the disease, speaking publicly, undertaking media interviews and opening his life up in two moving BBC documentaries My Year With MND and Rob Burrow: Living With MND.’
The charity called the rugby star a ‘consistent and passionate advocate’ in the touching statement.
A GoFundMe set up in his honour has reached an incredible £118,586 in donations – with the top being a generous £4,823.
The team fundraiser paid tribute to the ‘fearless and respected’ player who was a ‘tough competitor on the field’ and ‘gave his all for the team’.
A statement posted on behalf of his family read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.
‘Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life, whether that was on the Rugby league field or during his battle with MND.
‘He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
‘The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and a half years meant so much to Rob.
‘In particular, the Rugby League Family and the MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.’
They concluded the touching tribute by saying: ‘He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’
Prince William, Prince of Wales meets Burrow in January to congratulate him for raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease
His family and former club posted a touching tribute on social media
Kevin Sinfield holds his BBC Special Award alongside Rob Burrow during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2022
The Leeds Rhinos expressed their ‘deep sadness’ at the news.
The touching tribute said: ‘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.
‘Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation. A hard working and dedicated player, his fearless performances made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks.’
The MND Association’s statement read: ‘In doing so much, he inspired support from so many. On the weekend of the Challenge Cup Final in October 2020, fans and supporters donated an incredible £70,000 to the MND Association.
‘Just two months later, Rob’s former captain Kevin Sinfield CBE took on the first of four incredible challenges raising more than £7 million for MND charities, including the MND Association.
‘Rob and Kev’s friendship made headline news around the world. Thousands of well-wishers, not just in rugby’s heartland, but across the country donated, took on fundraising challenges and pledged support in tribute to Rob’s bravery.
‘Rob’s contribution to rugby league and awareness of MND were recognised in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List when he was made an MBE and that same year Rob accepted the role of patron of the MND Association. Rob was subsequently awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honours list.
‘It is testament to the strength of feeling people have for Rob that the support in his name has never wavered.
Burrow with his children, (left to right) Macy, Jackson,, Maya and his wife Lindsey Burrow (right) at the start of the Arena Group Leeds Mini and Junior Run 2023 in Leeds
‘The MND Association is incredibly grateful to Rob and his family for helping to raise awareness of MND, and funds for the Association, by sharing the details of their journey and by inspiring so many people both within the MND community and the wider public.’
Burrow rose through the Leeds club’s Academy ranks to make his debut in 2001.
In 2004, he was part of the Leeds team that ended a 32-year wait to win the Championship with victory in the Grand Final.
It was the first of eight Grand Final wins for Burrow including winning the Man of the Match award in the 2007 and 2011 Old Trafford showpieces. The 2011 game included his breathtaking try that is still regarded as the greatest Grand Final try ever scored.
In total he made 492 appearances for the club, placing him in fifth in the club’s all-time list of career appearances.
The rugby star won the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2014 and 2015 as well as three World Club Challenges and three League Leaders Shields.
Touching tributes to the player on social media included one from the England Rugby account, which read: ‘Rest in Peace Rob’ with a prayer hands emoji and a broken heart.
Another called him a ‘hero’ and read: ‘He’ll never be forgotten. We’ll make sure of that.’
A third read: ‘Hero. The definition of a legend. Thoughts with his family.’
Last month, Burrow paid tribute to his wife as he said he’s played some tough people in his rugby career, but no one is ‘as strong’ as Lindsey.
A married father of three young children, he was unable to talk but could articulate his thoughts through Eyegaze, a device which translates blinks into letters and then builds them into words on a screen.
The former captain of the Leeds Rhinos and member of the British rugby league teams paid tribute to his supportive wife Lindsey on BBC Breakfast.
Lindsey cared for Rob, their three children and works as an NHS physiotherapist. She has previously spoken about the ‘huge emotional and physical challenges’.
Her husband told BBC Breakfast: ‘I’m trying not to be soppy but some of the things that Lindsey does for me is proof I’ve found my one and only.
‘I’ve played with some strong players in my rugby career but no one is as strong a personality than Lindsey. I hope that will inspire people to be more like her…what a world that would be.’