Rob Burrow dies of MND at 41: Prince William leads tributes to UK rugby league great

The royal family has led tributes after the death of UK rugby league star Rob Burrow, whose valiant and poignant battle against motor neurone disease rocked the code around the world.

The English rugby league international was just 41.

Prince William wrote on X bout Burrow: “A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart. 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.”

The sportsman, who leaves behind his wife Lindsey and three young children Macy, Maya and Jackson, was diagnosed withthe disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career with the Leeds Rhinos.

Without a moment’s self-pity, he dedicated himself to raising awareness of the incurable illness that left him paralysed – crucially with the help of his great playing comrade Kevin Sinfield.

The most memorable moment in their campaign came last year when they ran the Leeds Marathon.

Sinfield pushed Burrow in his wheelchair until the final moments when he carried his friend over the finish line. Sinfield declared afterwards: “This is a celebration of friendship.:

It was not the first time he had proved his dedication to Burrow, \undertaking many epic tests of endurance – including seven ultra-marathons in seven days in 2022 – and raising many millions for MND charities.

In a joint interview with the Daily Mail last year, Burrow, communicating through a machine that translated his blinks into speech, said: “I hope he knows that I would do the same for him. I am truly grateful for everything that he has done for me.”

Burrow passed away surrounded by his family at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, after becoming ill earlier last week. He had been given only two years to live. A statement posted on behalf of his family read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.

“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.

“The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and a half years meant so much to Rob.”

The family added: “He will continue to inspire us all every day.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote: “Rob was an inspiration to everyone who met him or who heard his incredible story... He drove a fundraising campaign that supports vital new research improving the care for others.”