Rob Burrow, who played 493 times for Leeds Rhinos and was capped 15 times for his country, dies aged 41
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Prince William described Rob Burrow as a “legend of Rugby League” as he led tributes to the former Leeds Rhinos player, who has died aged 41.
Mr Burrow, who had been living with motor neurone disease (MND), died in hospital near his home surrounded by his family after becoming ill earlier this week.
“He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’ Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy. W,” the prince wrote in a personally signed message on X.
Burrow, who played 493 times for Leeds and was capped 15 times for his country, raised millions of pounds alongside former teammate Kevin Sinfield for various MND charities and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Appeal in Leeds following his diagnosis in 2019.
Recpap: Rob Burrow, the inspirational rugby league star, dies after battle with motor neurone disease
Burrow, who played 493 times for Leeds and was capped 15 times for his country, raised millions of pounds alongside former teammate Kevin Sinfield for various MND charities and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Appeal in Leeds following his diagnosis in 2019.
Full report:
Matt Mathers2 June 2024 21:30
Burrow was ‘immensely brave’, says MND chief executive
The chief executive of the MND Association said Rob Burrow was “immensely brave” to share his diagnosis of motor neurone disease and “allowed people to have hope”.
Tanya Curry, who has led the charity since January 2023, told the PA news agency: “I first met Rob in 2023 actually, when I came into my role.
“I was just struck by his humour, his practical approach to this disease, the twinkle in his eye, the fact that he had huge determination to share the impact with the world, and to also really fight so hard along his journey.
“He allowed people to have hope. But he was also very realistic with where he was and he just opened his life up and that takes huge courage.
“And I know the community was so grateful for that.”
Matt Mathers2 June 2024 21:08
What is motor neurone disease?
What is MND?
It is a life-shortening neurological disease which affects the nerves that control movement, so muscles no longer work, according to the MND Association.
The charity says these nerves – motor neurones – control muscle activity such as walking, speaking and swallowing.
But as they are attacked, the brain’s messages gradually stop reaching muscles, leading to weakness and wasting, followed by breathing difficulties.
The MND Association says some people also experience changes to their thinking and behaviour.
– What are the early signs of MND?
The NHS says MND symptoms occur gradually so may not be obvious at first.
Early symptoms include weakness in ankles or legs, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing food, a weak grip, muscle cramps and twitches and weight loss.
Alex Ross2 June 2024 20:52
True friendship
Many people will remember Rob Burrow’s battle with MND for his strong relationship with ex-team mate Kevin Sinfield.
The pair have raised over £15m to combat the disease t
…. to be continued
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