The groundbreaking of the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND will go ahead today as planned despite his sad passing yesterday, with Burrow’s former club Leeds Rhinos revealing it to be one of Burrow’s last requests.
Leeds Rhinos confirmed the passing of Burrow with the ex-Rhinos star succumbing to his battle with Motor Neurone Disease after four-and-a-half years, passing away peacefully aged 41 surrounded by his family.
That news was confirmed in a statement by the club who also explained that Burrow had fallen ill earlier in the week which had led to his admission to Pinderfields Hospital, where he would spend his final days.
The statement also confirmed that today’s planned groundbreaking for the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND would go ahead, per Rob’s request, a testament to the team first attitude that he displayed throughout his career and his fight against illness.
Over £6 million of the required £7 million has been raised to help build the centre that will help care for and ensure those with MND and their families have a safe haven during their fight against the illness.
More information on how to donate to the Rob Burrow Centre for MND can be found here.
Remembering Rob Burrow
Credit: Imago Images
A legendary career on the pitch that included eight Grand Final wins, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups was just the start for Rob Burrow.
He was destined to do more in his life and his awful diagnosis allowed him to start his ‘second career’ as a fundraiser and an inspiration to all, raising the awareness of Motor Neurone Disease to unimaginable levels.
Leeds Rhinos paid particular tribute to the incredible work he did following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease back in December 2019, Burrow serving as a “beacon of hope”, as described by best mate Kevin Sinfield.
The Rhinos’ statement read: “Following his MND diagnosis in December 2019, Burrow and his family took the decision to open their doors to show the impact of the disease and raise awareness and funds for the MND community. Since then Burrow has inspired two award winning documentaries, wrote a best selling autobiography, hosted an award winning podcast and was awarded a CBE from HRH Prince William at AMT Headingley in January 2023.
“Along with his friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield, Burrow has inspired nearly £20 million in fundraising across the UK and Ireland. This has included raising over £6 million to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds as a lasting legacy for those who follow him in their own personal battles with the disease.”
They would also confirm that today’s groundbreaking with the shovel in the ground at the new site at Seacroft Hospital would go ahead, per Rob’s request.
“Fittingly, as a tribute to the incredible work done by Rob, the groundbreaking of the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital on Monday will go ahead as planned at Rob’s request.”
