Council pledges support for lasting tribute to Leeds hero Rob Burrow

Leeds Rhinos legend Rob touched hearts worldwide with his determination to raise funds and awareness for all those affected by motor neurone disease (MND) after he was diagnosed with the condition in 2019.

His sad death earlier this month prompted an outpouring of emotion across Leeds and the rest of the country, with a sea of flowers, shirts and other mementoes being placed by fans outside the AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium home of the Rhinos.

Now a meeting of the council’s executive board is set to receive an update on plans to ensure that Rob’s remarkable story is never forgotten.

The meeting, being held next Wednesday (June 19), will be told that – given his hugely positive impact on Leeds – it is important for the city to find a suitable way of celebrating his achievements, both on and off the field.

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

The report also stresses that the council will work closely with Rob’s family and the Rhinos as it explores ideas for a lasting tribute to a man who epitomised the very best of Leeds.

Alongside this, the council will continue to give its wholehearted backing to the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND that is taking shape at Seacroft Hospital.

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

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

“Rob was a true Leeds hero, with his courage and relentless 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.

“We now want to help commemorate Rob’s life, both as a sporting great and as someone whose struggle with MND made his name synonymous with bravery.

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

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

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

Following his diagnosis, he spearheaded a Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to raise funds for a specialist MND care centre, with the ground-breaking on the project taking place at Seacroft Hospital earlier this month.

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

The pair’s tireless work on behalf of others was recognised 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-backed Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, with the first two stagings of the event attracting thousands of runners and raising more than £7m for charity.

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

ENDS