Building work starts on the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
The 41-year-old passed away yesterday
Last updated 3rd Jun 2024
Building work's started on the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease - a day after the Leeds Rhinos legend passed away.
He spearheaded a ÂŁ6.8 million charity appeal for Leeds Hospitals Charity, where he received care, for a purpose-built care centre for those with MND living in and around the city.
His former Leeds team mate Kevin Sinfield says the world's 'lost a great man' - the pair have raised millions for charity since Burrow was diagnosed with the condition.
Phil Wood is the chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals and has spoken to us at the new centre.
He said:
"It is mixed emotions but it is really exciting to be starting a new centre.
"It's purpose built, creating the right environment with the kind of tranquillity and privacy that patients, families and carers are going to need.
"Rob's vision was very much about getting this centre off the ground, and he very much wanted us to go ahead with the ceremony, which we obviously would have all loved him to be here."
Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours list for his services to rugby league and the MND community and was promoted to a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.