People who knew and loved Rob Burrow have come together at a funeral reception to say their final goodbyes.
The celebrated Leeds Rhinos and England rugby player died on June 2 after a prolonged struggle with motor neurone disease (MND). He was just 41 years old.
Earlier this month, hundreds of people lined up to bid farewell to the Rugby League icon.
At this juncture, Leeds Civic Hall hosted a civil reception to celebrate Rob’s life and contributions.
Rob’s family, along with approximately 180 attendees, gathered for the event organized by Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds.
The occasion also saw the presence of Jamie Jones-Buchanan, a former teammate; Tanya Curry, CEO of the MND Association; and James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council.
Rob lived in West Yorkshire and passed away in a nearby hospital, just hours before the groundbreaking ceremony for a new MND research center named in his honor.
Around noon on July 7, hundreds of people lined the streets to pay their respects as Burrow’s procession made its way to a private service.
The roads were filled with blue as many wore Leeds Rhinos shirts, and junior players from Featherstone Lions ARLFC attended in their team gear.
A police motorcycle escorted the hearse through the crowd.
Following the hearse, five cars carried the rugby legend’s family, including his wife Lindsey, whom he married in 2006, and their three children, Macy, Maya, and Jackson.
The procession also included Rob’s sisters, Joanne Hartshorne and Claire Burnett, as well as his parents, Geoff and Irene.
Rob was laid to rest with blue cloth adorned with white flower bouquets bearing the words “Dad,” “Bro,” and “Son” placed in the back.
The procession briefly halted at the Featherstone Lions’ ground, where the rugby star had played junior rugby. A book of condolences was made available for people to sign.
In his final request, Burrow asked for his poignant last message to be shared after his passing, urging others not to “waste a moment” of their lives.
He expressed: “In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream.”
Diagnosed with MND in 2019, the father of three dedicated much of his time to advocating for the cause.
Rob’s wife, Lindsey Burrow, offered a heartfelt tribute, stating that the rugby star “made the world a better place.”
The Sun previously reported that Ian Flatt, a 58-year-old friend of Rob’s, is undertaking the challenge of climbing seven mountains in a wheelchair to honor him. Flatt, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, is dedicating this effort to his friend.
