Britain’s Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell paid tribute to Rob Burrow after his performance during Sunday night’s live final.
The Leeds primary school teacher, who has autism and Tourette syndrome, gave an incredible comedy routine and then had some powerful words for Rob’s family.
Rob, the inspirational former rugby star and victim of motor neurone disease, has tragically died aged 41, it was announced on Sunday night.
He died at Pinderfield Hospital, near his home, surrounded by his family after falling ill earlier in the week.
The rugby player was diagnosed with the disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career.
Britain’s Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell paid tribute to Rob Burrow after his performance during Sunday night’s live final.
The Leeds primary school teacher, who has autism and Tourette syndrome, gave an incredible comedy routine and then had some powerful words for Rob’s family.
After his performance, Rob said: ‘An hour ago, before going on stage, I received some sad news.
“To Rob Burrow’s family: he is a hero and I hope you know how much we love him here tonight, and for him, standing up for disability rights is very important.”
The audience and judges Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden were then seen applauding.
Burrow, a fan favourite, won eight Super League titles with Leeds, but after being diagnosed with the disease he dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community.
He did it with the support of former Leeds teammate Kevin Sinfield.
Heartbreaking tributes have poured in tonight for the “hero” who “never allowed others to define what he could achieve.”
A statement on behalf of his family said he continues to “inspire us all every day,” adding that “in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”
Broadcaster Dan Walker posted on
Presenter and former footballer Chris Kamara posted: ‘What a soldier Rob was. He fought a real battle with MND.
Rob, the inspirational former rugby star and victim of motor neurone disease, has tragically died aged 41, it was announced on Sunday night.
After his performance, Rob said: “An hour ago before I went on stage I received some sad news.”
She added: “To Rob Burrow’s family: he is a hero and I hope you know how much we love him here tonight, and for him to stand up for disability rights is very important.”
‘Rob raised awareness and funds, despite his condition, for other people to benefit. The impact he leaves will be lasting. RIP Rob, what a hero.
Paying tribute today. The MND Association said: ‘Our thoughts today are with Rob’s wife Lindsey, his children Macy, Maya and Jackson, his family, friends and the rugby community.
‘Rob, who played number 7 for Leeds Rhinos, lived with this brutal illness in the public eye after deciding to announce his diagnosis shortly before Christmas 2019.
“He took every opportunity to raise awareness about the disease, speaking publicly, conducting media interviews and opening up about his life in two moving BBC documentaries My Year With MND and Rob Burrow: Living With MND.”
The charity called the rugby star a “consistent and passionate advocate” in a moving statement.
A GoFundMe set up in his honor has reached an incredible £120,308 in donations, with a generous £4,823 being the maximum figure.
The team’s fundraiser paid tribute to the “brave and respected” player, who was a “tough competitor on the field” and “gave everything for the team.”
A statement released on behalf of his family said: “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 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 entire Burrow family have received over the past four and a half years meant a lot to Rob.
“In particular, the Rugby League family and MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him. Thank you for your support.”
They concluded the moving tribute by saying: ‘He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’
The Leeds Rhinos have expressed their “deep sadness” at the news of their brave former team-mate.
The rugby legend spent his entire club career at Leeds and made more than 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017.
The audience and judges Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden were then seen applauding in agreement.
Rob with his wife Lindsey after the Princess Royal made him an MBE in 2022
Burrow was capped 15 times by England and played five Tests for Great Britain, but was best known as part of the team that won the Super League in 2004.
He ended the club’s 32-year wait for a title, and was later named Man of the Match in the Rhinos’ achievements in 2007 and 2011.
The team’s moving tribute tonight read: “Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019. He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield Hospital, near his home, surrounded by his loving family after falling ill earlier. this week.
‘Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won all honors with the club as part of their golden generation. A dedicated and hard-working player, his brave performances made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks.