Hundreds gathered to bid an emotional goodbye to Rob Burrow, the Leeds Rhinos and England star who bravely battled motor neurone disease (MND) until his passing on June 2 at just 41.
A civic reception at Leeds Civic Hall honored Rob’s life, attended by his family, Lord Mayor Abigail Marshall Katung, and esteemed guests, including former teammate Jamie Jones-Buchanan and MND Association CEO Tanya Curry.
Earlier, a poignant procession wound through West Yorkshire’s streets, with fans wearing Leeds Rhino shirts and junior players from Featherstone Lions ARLFC paying respects.
The cortege, led by a police motorcycle, carried Rob’s family, including wife Lindsey and their three children, Macy, Maya, and Jackson, as well as his parents and sisters.
A heartfelt stop was made at Featherstone Lions’ ground, where Rob played junior rugby. A book of condolences allowed mourners to pay tribute.
Rob’s final message, shared after his passing, urged people not to “waste a moment” of their lives. “In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream,” he said.
Diagnosed with MND in 2019, Rob tirelessly advocated for the cause. His wife Lindsey poignantly described him as having “made the world a better place.”
Inspired by Rob’s courage, friend Ian Flatt, also diagnosed with MND, is embarking on an extraordinary challenge: climbing seven mountains in a wheelchair.
As the rugby community and beyond come together to celebrate Rob’s life, his legacy continues to inspire hope and resilience in the face of adversity. His memory will live on through the soon-to-be-established Rob Burrow Centre for MND research.
