Rob Burrow, the legendary Leeds Rhinos and England rugby player, passed away on June 2 at the age of 41 after a courageous battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Hundreds gathered at Leeds Civic Hall to pay tribute to his life and legacy during a funeral reception.
Burrow’s family, along with about 180 attendees, including his former teammate Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MND Association CEO Tanya Curry, and Leeds City Council leader James Lewis, were present at the event organized by Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds.
On July 7, as the cortege made its way to a private service, the streets were lined with supporters in Leeds Rhinos shirts, honoring Burrow. His wife Lindsey, their three children, and his family accompanied him. In a heartfelt gesture, the hearse stopped at Featherstone Lions’ ground, where Burrow first played junior rugby.
Lindsey Burrow paid tribute to her husband, saying he “made the world a better place.” Burrow’s final message encouraged everyone to “not waste a moment” of their lives, reminding us that “in a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream.”