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Rob Burrows’ father, Geoff, has died aged 74 following a tireless campaign for motor neurone disease after the death of his rugby legend son.
Rob passed away nearly two years ago at just 41 from motor neurone disease, having been bravely battling the disease for nearly five years.
He had campaigned valiantly to increase awareness of MND, an incurable and debilitating illness, and raised more than £15million alongside his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Kevin Sinfield in a bid to fund crucial research.
His final wish had been for construction to begin on a new £6m facility based in Leeds and designed to support the needs of people living with MND.
However it was Geoff who dug the first hole on the site, watched by the rest of his family and Mr Sinfield, and admitted the poignant moment ‘meant everything’.
The Leeds Rhinos, Rob’s former team, confirmed the sad news of Geoff’s passing with a heartfelt tribute on social media.
They wrote: ‘It is with deep sadness that the club has learnt of the passing of Geoff Burrow, the father of Rob Burrow.
‘Our deepest condolences go to Geoff’s wife Irene and the whole Burrow family at this time. May he rest in peace.’
Leeds Rhinos, the club Burrow spent his entire 17-year career with and who announced his own tragic passing, staged a tear-jerking tribute at Headingley at the time.
Burrow’s name and a large yellow number seven adorned the pitch while Rhinos players wore a blue and orange jersey for the Super League fixture against Leigh.
The touching pre-match event, which coincidentally took place on Global MND Awareness Day, also saw Burrow’s father address the capacity crowd.
‘It’s a very emotional night especially because Leeds against Leigh was the first home game I took Rob to,’ Mr Burrow, whose voice cracked with emotion, said.
‘He loved every minute.
‘He was cheeky but he was a lovely, lovely lad. And I miss him so much.’
This is a breaking story, more to follow.
