Rob Burrow’s funeral is held today with mourners to line the streets

By Matt Strudwick

11:35 07 Jul 2024, updated 15:29 07 Jul 2024

Hundreds of mourners lined the streets today to pay respect to Rugby League legend and motor neurone disease sufferer Rob Burrow.

The former Leeds Rhinos star’s funeral is being held in a private service at Pontefract Crematorium which is being attended by 161 invited guests. 

Burrow passed away ‘peacefully’ aged 41 at hospital on June 2, nearly five years after being diagnosed with the neurological condition.

His best friend Kevin Sinfield was among the mourners gathering at the crematorium ahead of the service. 

He wore a black suit, white shirt, and black tie as he walked alongside his wife Jayne while clutching her hand. 

Crowds were seen lining along the route with many wearing rugby shirts bearing Burrow’s name and shirt number seven on the back. 

Others waved blue flags with his name lovingly written in yellow on the front in a nod to Leeds Rhinos’ team colours as they waited to bid farewell to the hero.

Traffic came to a standstill and drivers sat respectfully in their cars and clapped as mourners burst into tears and broke out into a ripple of applause as the hearse carrying his coffin drove past.

A wreath of white flowers spelling the words ‘Bro’ and ‘Son’ could be seen inside on one side, with ‘Dad’ on the other as he made his final journey. 

A framed picture of Burrow holding the Super League trophy sat in the back with his MBE and CBE medals proudly displayed alongside, as well as blue flowers in the shape of a number seven.

Yellow and white flowers were thrown onto the windscreen from members of the public standing in the crowd on the side of the road. 

One mourner wearing a hoodie could be seen slowly walking up to the hearse to carefully lay a single flower on the bonnet before she edged her way backwards. 

Others embraced in a loving hug as they comforted one another as they wiped away tears. 

A black flag attached to a silver Range Rover flapped in the wind as the vehicle slowly followed behind. 

Although a private service, members of the public were invited to line the route of the funeral cortege. 

Five cars led the cortege as it slowed outside Featherstone Lions ARLFC’s ground where Burrow played junior rugby. 

The cortege slowed again as it passed through Featherstone and near to where he played. 

The club today held a 77-second applause in tribute to Burrow ahead of their Betfred Championship game against Whitehaven.

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Earlier today fans headed to the stadium to sign a book of condolence in his memory. Some had travelled from as far as London having been touched by the inspirational hero’s story. 

Fan and Leeds Rhinos season ticket holder Stephen Hambleton, 64, hung Rob Burrow shirts on a line across the front window of his home in tribute. 

He told the BBC: ‘I hope his legacy goes on forever, especially with his MND contributions.

‘He just brought so much awareness to it and this is me saying thank you to him.’

He is being laid to rest on a poignant day with it being Rob Burrow Day – the day each year that his former club annually celebrates because of the iconic number 7 shirt worn by him during his illustrious rugby league career. 

Speaking ahead of the funeral, Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said Burrow had doubted himself at the start of his career because of his height.

At 5ft5in tall, he was known as one of the smallest players in the Super League, but Mr Hetherington said he ‘prove himself big enough’. 

‘He was big in heart, spirit determination and ability. An iconic sportsman,’ he told the BBC.

The athlete represented both England and Great Britain during his impressive 16-year long career and made more than 100 appearances between 2001 and 2017. 

Burrow won eight Super League titles with Leeds during a 17-season league career, but just two years after he announced his retirement he was diagnosed with the disease in 2019. 

He dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community.

Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours for his services to rugby league and the MND community, and was promoted to a CBE in the New Year Honours in 2024.

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Last month, widow Lindsey opened up about the ‘tough few weeks’ following his death. 

She said: ‘It’s been a tough few weeks but I know Rob wanted to make us happy and I’m determined to continue to make Rob proud and live on his legacy.’ 

She is bravely continuing her husband’s work raising awareness for MND and appeared on Lorraine to discuss his life and work. 

The father-of-three had his devoted wife Lindsey, his three children, his parents Geoff and Irene, as well as his two sisters Joanne Hartshorne and Claire Burnett at his bedside when he passed.

His final wish had been for construction to begin on a new £6million specialist centre for people dealing the incurable illness days in Leeds before his death.

His pre-recorded final words to his friends and family, to be heard only after he died, were revealed on the BBC One special programme ‘There’s Only One Rob Burrow’.

Steadfast, he said: ‘I’m a fighter, to be honest. I might not be able to tackle MND but I’ll certainly be swinging, I’m not going to give in, not until my last breath.

‘I’m a prisoner in my own body, that’s the way MND gets you. The lights are on but no one is home.’

As footage of his family and close friends was shown on the screen reacting to his words, he says: ‘I hope I have left a mark on this disease. I hope you choose to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration.’

He ends the video by smiling and saying: ‘Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow over and out.’

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His young daughters also bravely spoke about their father, with Macy, 12, declaring: ‘He has left a mark on this world.’

The campaigner said in a flashback to when he was younger: ‘The guys always seemed to be a lot lot bigger than me. It inspired me to be more determined.’

Recalling his diagnosis, he said: ‘My family told me I was slurring my speech a bit but I didn’t take notice or believe them.’

His emotional widow revealed: ‘I remember that moment being told it’s not good news. Asking how long and them saying two years. Rob said ‘thank god it’s me and not the kids’. That’s all he was bothered about.’

He says in the video: ‘I think I would’ve broken down if it was me but Lindsey has this unwavering patience.’

Asked about the effect on his children, he tears up, unable to continue.

He then said: ‘I had no idea how my family would cope. They’ve become a beacon of hope for families in the same situation as ours.’

He added: ‘I have had such a great life. I have been gifted with the most incredible wife and three children. I hope they know how much I love them.’

The poignant video concluded with the icon saying: ‘As a father of three young children, I would never want someone to go through this.

‘I hope I have left a mark on this disease. I hope you choose to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration.

‘My final message to you is whatever your personal battle to be brave and face it.’