Leeds Rugby League great Rob Burrow has died aged 41 after battling MND

“Rob has inspired the whole country with his courageous fight against MND since his diagnosis in December 2019,” Leeds said.

“He died peacefully at Pinderfield Hospital, near his home, surrounded by his loving family, after falling ill earlier this week.

“Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honor with the club as part of their golden generation. A hard-working and dedicated player, his fearless performances have made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks.”

After coming through the club’s academy ranks before his debut in 2001, Burrow made 492 appearances for Leeds.

Following his MND diagnosis, Burrow and his family raised awareness and funds for the MND community.

Former Leeds and England captain Kevin Sinfield completed seven marathons in seven days to raise more than one million pounds ($1.3 million) in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and his former teammate.

So far, the duo have inspired almost £20m in fundraising across the UK and Ireland, Leeds said.

“Today was the day I hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so many,” Sinfield said in a statement.

“You fought so bravely to the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only to the MND community, but to all who saw and heard your story.

“I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played with, but since your diagnosis, you have been the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.

“For the past four and a half years you have shown the world what it looks like to live and love and it has always been done with the biggest smile on your face.”

Prince William wrote on social media platform X: “A Rugby League legend, 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. W”.

Sunak wrote: “Rob was an inspiration to all who knew him or heard his incredible story. I was honored to spend some time with him last year. He has led a fundraising campaign that supports vital new research that improves care for others…”

Burrow represented England from 2004-2013 and Great Britain from 2005-2007.

($1 = £0.7850)

(Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk, editing by Toby Davis)

Disclaimer: This report is automatically generated by the Reuters news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its content.

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