Rob Burrow’s tearful dad, Geoff, shares emotional memories of his son in touching tribute before Leeds Rhinos’ game against Leigh – after rugby legend’s death aged 41
- Leeds Rhinos great Rob Burrow died in hospital surrounded by family
- Burrow, who died at age 41, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019
- His father, Geoff, addressed an emotional crowd at a tribute in Headingley
Rob Burrow’s father Geoff has shared emotional memories of his son following the rugby league legend’s death at the age of 41 earlier this month.
Burrow died surrounded by his family at Pinderfields Hospital near his home in Yorkshire on June 2, five years after being diagnosed with his motor neurone disease.
Leeds Rhinos, the club Burrow spent his entire 17-year career with and which announced his tragic death, paid a tearful tribute at Headingley on Friday.
Burrow’s name and a large yellow number seven adorned the pitch, while the Rhinos players wore a blue and orange jersey for the Super League match against Leigh.
During the moving pre-match event, which coincidentally took place on Global MND Awareness Day, Burrow’s father also addressed the capacity crowd.
Rob Burrow’s father Geoff shared emotional memories of his son following his death this month
Mr Burrow broke down in tears as he described the rugby league legend as a ‘nice lad’
Burrow, who played for Leeds Rhinos for 17 years, died surrounded by his family in hospital
āIt’s a very emotional evening, especially as Leeds against Leigh was the first home game I took Rob to,ā said Mr Burrow, his voice bursting with emotion.
‘He loved every minute of it.
āHe was brutal, but he was a sweet, sweet boy. And I miss him so much.’
Burrow bravely campaigned to raise awareness of ALS, an incurable and debilitating disease, raising more than Ā£15 million alongside his close friend and former Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield in a bid to fund crucial research.
His dying wish was for construction to begin on a new Ā£6 million facility, based in Leeds and designed to support the needs of people with ALS.
Burrow’s name and a large number seven were on the Headingley pitch
A large banner with an infamous quote from Burrow was spread across the field
Shirts, flowers and scarves were left outside the ground as supporters paid their respects
The Rob Burrow Center for Motor Neuron Disease, which will cost around Ā£6 million, will help people in and around Leeds battling ALS. Pictured from left to right: Rob’s sister Claire Burnett, father Geoff, mother Irene and sister Joanne Hartshorne
Mr Burrow dug the first hole on the site, watched by the rest of his family and Sinfield, and admitted the poignant moment ‘meant everything’.
About the middle, Mr Burrow added: ‘We’re happy, I wish he could have seen it open. But he’ll see it through Jackson and the kids, Lindsey. We’re going to make him proud.’
As the teams emerged from the tunnel at Headingley, supporters in the East Stand held up blue and yellow signs decorated with Burrow’s initials and squad number.
Two large banners were also unfurled, one with his image and the second with his infamous quote: ‘In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’
Sinfield, who is currently playing for the England rugby team in Japan, recorded a video tribute ahead of the match which was shown on the big screens on the pitch.
He called Burrow “his little friend” and “the bravest and toughest man I ever met.”