Leeds Rhinos have tweeted out to confirm that former player and club legend Rob Burrow has passed away aged 41 after his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Rob Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a debilitating and as yet incurable condition that attacks the nervous system, back in December 2019 and has fought the condition for almost five years.
He made the announcement that he had been diagnosed live on BBC Breakfast with his best friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield, with BBC Breakfast going on to document Burrow’s life with MND.
Since then, Rob Burrow has become a national hero in his efforts to raise both awareness and funds to help find a cure for the terrible disease that is MND. That has seen Sinfield run multiple marathons and the pair have raised over £7 million, with the latest venture being the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon just last month.
Aged 41, it has now been confirmed that Rob Burrow has sadly succumbed to his illness and passed away with his club Leeds Rhinos confirming the awful news.
All at Serious About Rugby League wish Rob’s loved ones our deepest sorrow at this awful time. It’s also worth pointing out that the MND Association, for whom Rob was a patron, is fundraising to help build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. Information on how to donate can be found here.
Rob Burrow passes away aged 41
Credit: Imago Images
Leeds Rhinos confirmed the news that their legendary player had sadly passed away, releasing a statement on social media and via their website as well.
It 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 field or during his battle with MND (Motor Neurone Disease).
“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.
“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.
“Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something, he just 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.”
It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
More here https://t.co/Lp2EcIu7ws pic.twitter.com/kyq6Er0FEp— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) June 2, 2024
