Rob Burrow’s legacy will live on through a specialist centre dedicated to fighting motor neurone disease, which is being built in his name at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds
Rob Burrow informed his spouse Lindsey that he intended for Monday’s groundbreaking to take place at a new motor neurone disease treatment facility.
Burrow fought motor neurone disease (MND) for a long time before passing away at the age of 41, as the Leeds Rhinos reported on Sunday. Two years after he had retired from playing rugby league with Leeds, with whom he had won eight Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges, and two Challenge Cups, he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) in late 2019.
His inspirational narrative has moved people across the country, and he and Kevin Sinfield, his teammate at Leeds, have raised around £15 million for MND-related charities. In addition to his friends, family, and the people he impacted, Burrow’s legacy will endure thanks to the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, which is being constructed at Leeds’ Seacroft Hospital.
Burrow’s friend Phil Daly gave an explanation on BBC Breakfast, saying, “Rob wanted the groundbreaking to happen today, which is why we are doing it today. That’s what Lindsey stated when we spoke with him on Friday. We must begin today because Rob would not want us to squander any more time.
“The facilities just aren’t up to scratch, but it’s no reflection on the NHS staff who looked after Rob—they did a great job,” he continued. It exacerbates the entire situation when you receive that diagnosis in the current facilities.
“People will be able to get their diagnosis and learn what to do next from this centre.” Rob was a key player in the planning; family rooms will be available to aid in children’s understanding in a cosy setting.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive Professor Phil Wood said: “His commitment to getting this over the line.” Of course, we must also appreciate Kevin Sinfield’s contributions, especially those of the seven in seven team. His incredible fundraising efforts enabled our partner charity to reach this milestone and realise its goal.”The perseverance of Rob and Lindsey, who have been by his side the entire time and who is a member of our team who has continued to care for her own patients, is quite inspiring, in my opinion. Not only for Leeds but the entire region, today is wonderful for patients and their families. We take great pride in our part in the treatment of this terrible illness.
“Rob stood out – he was brave, he was courageous, he spoke in a world that lacks a lot of courage, a lot of people with anxiety, I think that physical ability was his superpower, and that’s what shone,” said Burrow’s former Leeds teammate Jamie Jones-Buchacan.
Living with MND robbed him of that, but his courage never wavered—if anything, it became even more radiant. The affection and legacy he has bestowed upon everyone inspires others to stand up, speak out, and defend the rights of the MND community. And to accomplish it with his teammates—Kev foremost among them—has transcended not only rugby league and sport, but also the country. The people he has had such a profound influence on will carry on his legacy.
He will always be a part of this trip that began on December 15, 2019, when I first learned about it, and ended on June 2, 2024, regardless of what transpired in between. Every day, it challenges me and all of us who wear the blue and amber badge to go beyond the country. The rugby league community comes together to remember Rob, his actions and motivations, as well as the things we must continue to do to ensure that his legacy and life are fulfilled.
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