Rob Burrow: Tribute after Leeds Rhinos and MND campaigner dies aged 41

The word “inspirational” is overused, especially when people are sick.

But for Rob Burrow it was fitting: faced with a devastating diagnosis, he defiantly chose to show the world what life with motor neurone disease was like, bringing attention and funding to a disease that few people knew about.

But even before his MND campaign, Rob was a legendary figure in the world of rugby league. He played his whole career at Leeds Rhinos and the fans loved him.

At Headingley last night, within hours of his death being announced, they turned out – leaving flowers, photographs, shirts and cards.

Rob’s influence goes beyond rugby league, however – not just in the wider sporting world, where he has connected with other MND campaigners such as footballers Stephen Darby and Marcus Stewart, but also in the wider community.

His face and legacy are everywhere: on the wall outside Seacroft Hospital, where a new MND center is being built, on a mural outside Leeds Beckett University and, of course, on the Hall of Fame at Headingley.

Yorkshire took Rob Burrow into their hearts, I think, because he gave them hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.

He taught us how to live and love with purpose through the greatest adversities.