A fighter to the last, rugby star Burrow dies of motor neurone at 41
ROB Burrow, the rugby star whose valiant and poignant battle against motor neurone disease touched the nation, has died at the age of 41.
The Prince of Wales led the tributes last night after Burrow’s family announced his passing, calling him a ‘legend of Rugby League’ with a ‘huge heart’.
The sportsman, who leaves behind his wife Lindsey and three young children Macy, Maya and Jackson, was diagnosed with the disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career with the Leeds Rhinos.
Without a moment’s self-pity, he dedicated himself to raising awareness of the incurable illness that left him paralysed – crucially with the help of his great playing comrade Kevin Sinfield.
The most memorable moment in their campaign came last year when they ran the Leeds Marathon. Sinfield pushed Burrow in his wheelchair until the final moments when he carried his friend over the finish line. Sinfield declared afterwards: ‘This is a celebration of friendship.’
It was not the first time he had proved his dedication to Burrow, undertaking many epic tests of endurance – including seven ultra-marathons in seven days in 2022 – and raising many millions for MND charities.
In a joint interview with the Daily Mail last year, Burrow, communicating through a machine that translated his blinks into speech, said: ‘I hope he knows that I would do the same for him. I am truly grateful for everything that he has done for me.’
Burrow passed away surrounded by his family at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, after becoming ill earlier last week. He had been given only two years to live. A statement poste 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.’ The family added: ‘He will continue to inspire us all every day.’
Prince William wrote on X: ‘A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart. He taught us, “in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream”. Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy.’
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote: ‘Rob was an inspiration to everyone who met him or who heard his incredible story... He drove a fundraising campaign that supports vital new research improving the care for others.’