Loved ones and friends gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to Rob Burrow at a touching funeral reception, celebrating the life of someone who meant so much to them.
Leeds Rhinos and England rugby star Rob Burrow passed away on June 2, following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease (MND). He was just 41 years old.
Earlier this month, hundreds of people lined up to pay their final respects to the Rugby League star, honoring his legacy and saying their goodbyes.
In honor of Rob Burrow’s remarkable life and legacy, a civil reception was held at Leeds Civic Hall, hosted by Lord Mayor Abigail Marshall Katung. Rob’s family, along with about 180 guests, attended the heartfelt event.
Among those invited were his former teammate Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Tanya Curry, CEO of the MND Association, and James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council.
Rob, who resided in West Yorkshire, passed away in a nearby hospital just hours before ground was broken for a new MND research center that will bear his name.
On July 7, around noon, hundreds of mourners gathered in the streets to pay their respects as Burrow’s funeral procession made its way to a private service. The streets were filled with a sea of blue as fans donned Leeds Rhinos jerseys, and junior players from Featherstone Lions ARLFC proudly wore their gear.
A police motorcycle accompanied the hearse, riding solemnly behind as it passed through the crowds.
Following the hearse were five cars, carrying Rob Burrow’s beloved wife, Lindsey, whom he married in 2006, along with their three children—Macy, Maya, and Jackson. Together, they accompanied the rugby legend on his final journey, surrounded by an outpouring of love and support.
Also part of the cortege were Rob’s sisters, Joanne Hartshorne and Claire Burnett, along with his parents, Geoff and Irene.
In a touching tribute, Rob was laid to rest draped in blue cloth, with white flower bouquets arranged in the back, spelling out “Dad,” “Bro,” and “Son,” symbolizing the deep love and connection he shared with his family.
The procession made a poignant stop at the Featherstone Lions’ ground, where Rob Burrow first played junior rugby. A book of condolences was opened there, allowing fans and loved ones to leave heartfelt messages.
In a final, moving wish, Rob asked that his last words be shared after his passing, encouraging others not to “waste a moment” of their lives. He added, “In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream.”
Rob, a dedicated father of three, was diagnosed with MND in 2019, and spent his remaining years raising awareness for the cause. His wife, Lindsey, paid a deeply emotional tribute, saying the rugby star “made the world a better place.”
In honor of Rob, his close friend, Ian Flatt, who was also diagnosed with MND in 2019, is taking on a remarkable challenge, climbing seven mountains in a wheelchair, as previously reported by The Sun.
