Rob Burrow was a well-known and loved rugby player who died on June 2 after a brave fight with motor neurone disease (MND). There is sadness in the rugby world and beyond for his death. He was only 41 years old.
A touching funeral gathering was held at Leeds Civic Hall, where fans, family, and friends came to honour the person who died. About 180 people, including Rob’s family and well-known people in the rugby community, came to the event, which was hosted by Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds.
The amazing life and impact of Rob were honoured by moving tributes and memories shared by those who knew him best. Some of the people who remembered him were his old friend Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Tanya Curry, CEO of the MND Association.
A huge group of people stood in line to pay their respects as the funeral parade moved through the streets of West Yorkshire. Many people wore Leeds Rhinos shirts, which made the roads blue. Junior players from Featherstone Lions ARLFC also showed their support by wearing their team gear.
When the cortege stopped at Featherstone Lions’ ground, where Rob had played rugby as a kid, it was a moving moment. People could write their thoughts and memories of the rugby star in a book of condolences that was opened.
Rob’s last message was very moving. He told us not to “waste a moment” of our lives and that “in a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream.” Lindsey, his wife, said it best when she said that he “made the world a better place.”
Rob’s impact goes far beyond his great rugby career. Many people have been inspired by his tireless work to raise knowledge about MND and help those who are affected by it. For example, his friend Ian Flatt is climbing seven mountains in a wheelchair to honour his friend’s memory.
As the world says goodbye to this amazing person, Rob Burrow’s strength and spirit will continue to inspire people for years to come. Many of the people he helped will remember him, and an MND study centre will be named after him.
