Rugby League Legend Rob Burrow, a former player for the Leeds Rhinos, tragically passed away on December 19, 2020 after a courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). His death has left a profound impact on the rugby community and beyond.
Burrow was diagnosed with MND in December 2019, just two years after retiring from professional rugby. Despite facing such a devastating illness, he continued to raise awareness and funds for research into finding a cure for this debilitating disease. His resilience and determination inspired many around the world.
Rob, who played at number 7 for Leeds Rhinos, lived with this brutal disease in the public eye after choosing to announce his diagnosis shortly before Christmas 2019. He used every opportunity to raise awareness of the disease, speaking publicly, undertaking media interviews and opening his life up in two moving BBC documentaries My Year With MND and Rob Burrow: Living With MND.
MND – he became the first person to use a communications aid to read a bedtime story on CBeebies. And he joined the United To End MND coalition which successfully campaigned for a £50million Government investment in targeted MND research.
Rob and Kev’s friendship made headline news around the world. Thousands of well-wishers, not just in rugby’s heartland, but across the country donated, took on fundraising challenges and pledged support in tribute to Rob’s bravery.
Following his MND diagnosis in December 2019, Burrow and his family took the decision to open their doors to show the impact of the disease and raise awareness and funds for the MND community. Since then Burrow has inspired two award winning documentaries, wrote a best selling autobiography, hosted an award winning podcast and was awarded a CBE from HRH Prince William at AMT Headingley in January 2023. 
Along with his friend and former team mate Kevin Sinfield, Burrow has inspired nearly £20 million in fundraising across the UK and Ireland. This has included raising over £6 million to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds as a lasting legacy for those who follow him in their own personal battles with the disease. 
In March, Burrow attended the start of 'March of the Day', a 178-mile march by former footballers in aid of MND, led by ex-Ipswich striker Marcus Stewart and Darby, who both have the illness.
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