Rob Burrow dies aged 41 after battle with Motor Neurone Disease
We look back at his successful career and his tireless campaigning
Last updated 2nd Jun 2024
Leeds rugby legend and MND campaigner Rob Burrow has died, aged 41, after a long battle with Motor Neurone disease.
In a statement, Leeds Rhino's said: "It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
"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’s Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week."
The Leeds hero spent his entire professional career with the Rhinos and made over 450 appearances.
The scrum half back was part of the ‘Golden Generation’ Leeds Rhino’s squad and won eight Grand Finals, three World Cup Challenges, two Challenge Cups and won 15 caps for England.
Since his rugby career Burrow has become well known for his campaigning to raise awareness of Motor neurone disease, with which he was diagnosed in 2019.
Motor Neurone diagnosis
Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in December 2019, just two years after he retired from professional rugby.
Since his diagnosis, he passionately campaigned and raised funds for people affected by the disease - a degenerative condition for which there is no cure.
As the disease progressed, Burrow had to speak via a computer, using recorded samples of his voice.
his wife Lindsey, who was his childhood sweetheart, became his full-time carer.
Campaigning for MND
Since his diagnosis Rob lived in the lime-light to help raise awareness of the disease.
He campaigned at Downing Street in 2021 for the government to increase its funding for research into the disease.
Later in the year then Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged £50 million to help find new treatments for motor neurone disease.
The Leeds Hospital Charity has also been trying to raise £5m to build a state-of-the-art MND Care Centre in Rob's name.
Kevin Sinfield
Burrow's friend and former teammate, Kevin Sinfield has also become a big part of the campaigning team, taking on some gruelling challenges to help raise money.
In 2020, Sinfield ran seven marathons in seven days raising £2.7m for MND charities.
He went on to raise more than £1 million in November 2021 after running 101 miles in 24 hours.
Read more: Inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon takes place
In late 2022 Sinfield took on his Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge – he ran around 40 miles for seven successive days, he was met by Rob at the finish line on day six and over £1.3m was raised.
The money has been distributed to numerous MND research charities.
Recognition for Rob Burrow's campaigning
Rob was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year's Honours list for services to rugby league and the motor neurone disease community.
In January 2023, Burrow and Sinfield were made Honorary Freeman of the City of Leeds at a special conferment at Leeds Civic Hall for their sporting achievements and campaigning.
In March 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak named Burrow as the 2,000th recipient of the daily Points of Light award.
Burrow leaves behind his wife, Lindsey, their three young children and his parents.
Rob Burrow
Rob Burrow at the 7 Stories of MND exhibition
Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield
Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield at Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
Rob Burrow
Rob Burrow on the morning of the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May.
Rob and Lindsey Burrow
Rob Burrow and Lindsey Burrow
Rob Burrow and friends
Rob Burrow and friends ahead of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
Rob, Lindsey and their daughter
Rob, Lindsey and their daughter after the marathon
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