- Leeds Rhinos great Rob Burrow passed away in hospital surrounded by his family
- Burrow, who died aged 41, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019.
- His father, Geoff, addressed an emotional crowd during a tribute in Headingley.
Rob Burrow’s father Geoff has shared emotional memories of his son following the rugby league legend’s death at the age of 41 earlier this month.
Burrow died surrounded by his family at Pinderfields Hospital, near his home in Yorkshire, on June 2, five years after his motor neurone disease diagnosis.
Leeds Rhinos, the club where Burrow spent his entire 17-year career and which announced his tragic death, hosted a moving tribute in Headingley on Friday.
Burrow’s name and a large yellow number seven adorned the pitch, while the Rhinos players wore a blue and orange jersey for the Super League match against Leigh.
The touching pre-match event, which coincidentally took place on World MND Awareness Day, also saw Burrow’s father address the crowd.
Rob Burrow’s father Geoff has shared emotional memories of his son after his death this month.
Burrow broke down in tears as he described the rugby league legend as a “lovely lad”.
Burrow, who played for Leeds Rhinos for 17 years, died surrounded by his family in hospital
“It’s a very emotional night, especially as Leeds against Leigh was the first home game I took Rob to,” said Mr Burrow, whose voice cracked with emotion.
‘He loved every minute of it.
‘He was cheeky but he was a lovely, lovely lad. And Miss you so much.’
Burrow bravely campaigned to raise awareness of MND, an incurable and debilitating disease, and raised more than £15 million alongside his close friend and former Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield in a bid to fund crucial research. .
His dying wish had been for construction to begin on a new £6 million facility based in Leeds and designed to meet the needs of people living with MND.
Burrow’s name and a large number seven were emblazoned on the Headingley pitch.
A large banner with an infamous Burrow quote was placed across the field.
Shirts, flowers and scarves were left outside the field as fans paid their respects.
The Rob Burrow Center for Motor Neurone Diseases, which will cost around £6 million, will help people living in and around Leeds who are battling MND. Pictured left to right: Rob’s sister Claire Burnett, father Geoff, mother Irene and sister Joanne Hartshorne.
Burrow dug the first hole at the site, watched by the rest of his family and Sinfield, and admitted the touching moment “meant everything.”
In the centre, Mr Burrow added: “We’re happy, I wish I could have seen it open.” But he’ll see it through Jackson and the kids, Lindsey. Let’s make him proud.”
As the teams emerged from the tunnel at Headingley, supporters in the east stand held blue and yellow banners emblazoned with Burrow’s initials and shirt number.
Two large banners were also displayed, one with his image and the other with his infamous phrase: “In a world full of adversity we must dare to dream.”
Sinfield, who is currently with the England rugby team in Japan, recorded a pre-match video tribute which was shown on the ground’s giant screens.
He called Burrow “his little friend” and “the bravest, toughest man I’ve ever met.”