Council pledges support for lasting tribute to Leeds hero Rob Burrow

Leeds City Council has confirmed its commitment to commemorating the inspirational life and achievements of the late Rob Burrow.

Leeds Rhinos legend Rob has touched hearts around the world with his determination to raise funds and awareness for all those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after being diagnosed with the condition in 2019.

His sad death earlier this month caused an outpouring of emotion in Leeds and the rest of the country, with a sea of ​​flowers, shirts and other mementos being placed by fans outside AMT Headingley rugby stadium, home of the Rhinos.

Now a meeting of the council’s executive board will be given an update on plans to ensure Rob’s remarkable story is never forgotten.

The meeting, which will take place next Wednesday (June 19), will be told that – given his hugely positive impact on Leeds – it is important that the city finds a suitable way to celebrate his achievements, both on the pitch and and outside of it.

A report being presented to the meeting makes it clear that no decision has yet been made on how best to honor Rob.

The report also points out that the board will work closely with Rob’s family and the Rhinos as they explore ideas for a lasting tribute to a man who represented the best of Leeds.

In addition, the council will continue to give its wholehearted support to the new Rob Burrow Center for MND, which is taking shape at Seacroft Hospital.

The report also confirms that plans are underway for a large-scale civic event to be held in Rob’s memory in the near future.

Councilor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“Rob was a true Leeds hero, with his relentless courage and positivity inspiring people across the city and far beyond.

“The love, respect and admiration we have seen in the days since his death has been very moving and illustrates how much he meant to so many.

“Now we want to help commemorate Rob’s life, both as a great sportsman and as someone whose battle with MND made his name synonymous with courage.

“It will be our privilege to work with Rob’s family, the Rhinos and indeed the city as a whole to ensure his legacy lives on.”

Rob made almost 500 appearances for the Rhinos between 2001 and 2017, winning eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cups and three World Club Challenge trophies.

He has also been a committed ambassador for the club and the city, providing enthusiastic support to the community work of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and initiatives such as the council’s Child Friendly Leeds programme.

Following his diagnosis, he led a Leeds Hospitals charity appeal to raise funds for a specialist MND care centre, with the latest project taking place at Seacroft Hospital earlier this month.

Rob’s friend and former Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield has also raised millions of pounds for MND causes by completing a series of endurance challenges.

The pair’s tireless work on behalf of others was recognized when they were awarded the Freedom of Leeds in a ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall in 2023.

Another tribute came with the launch of the council-supported Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, with the first two editions of the event attracting thousands of runners and raising more than £7 million for charity.

A mural depicting Rob in his all-conquering playing days has also taken pride of place in Leeds Beckett University’s student union building on Woodhouse Lane since 2020.

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