Former Rugby League star Rob Burrow, who became an inspirational fundraiser after his diagnosis with motor neuron disease (MND), has died at 41.
The news of Burrow’s passing was shared by his former team, Leeds Rhinos, on Sunday.
Burrow, alongside his wife Lindsey and friend Kevin Sinfield, raised nearly £20 million, including over £6 million for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.
Despite the unavailability of a cure for MND, Burrow’s efforts significantly improved awareness and support for those affected by the disease.
Sinfield, Burrow’s England team-mate described him as the toughest and bravest man he ever knew.
“The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so so many. You fought so bravely until the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for the MND community but for all those who saw and heard your story. You will continue to inspire me every single day.
“I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met,” he said in a statement shared by Leeds Rhinos.
Prince William, who presented Burrow with a CBE in January, paid tribute to him on social media, praising his courage and heart.
Burrow’s rugby career was illustrious, with 492 appearances for Leeds Rhinos and numerous titles.
After his 2019 diagnosis, Burrow and his family openly shared their journey, producing documentaries and a memoir to highlight the disease’s impact.
Following Burrow’s death, tributes have poured in, including from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer, who both acknowledged Burrow’s inspirational legacy.