Leeds Rhinos have announced that Rob Burrow has passed away at the age of 41 following a battle with motor neurone disease.
"Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with mnd . He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more. "For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of mnd over the last four and half years came as no surprise.
"Our thoughts today are with Rob’s wife Lindsey, children Macy, Maya and Jackson, family and friends and the rugby community. "In doing so much, he inspired support from so many. On the weekend of the Challenge Cup Final in October 2020, fans and supporters donated an incredible £70,000 to the MND Association. Just two months later, Rob’s former captain Kevin Sinfield CBE took on the first of four incredible challenges raising more than £7 million for MND charities, including the MND Association. Rob and Kev’s friendship made headline news around the world.
"The MND Association is incredibly grateful to Rob and his family for helping to raise awareness of MND, and funds for the Association, by sharing the details of their journey and by inspiring so many people both within the MND community and the wider public."