Rob Burrow’s father dies after tirelessly campaigning for motor neurone disease in honour of his rugby legend son

Rob Burrow’s father Geoff has died aged 74 after a ‘period of poor health’ following his and his rugby legend son’s tireless battle with motor neurone disease.

The Leeds Rhino star passed away from motor neurone disease nearly two years ago, aged just 41, after bravely battling the disease for nearly five years.

He campaigned to raise awareness of MND and raised more than £15 million with his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Kevin Sinfield to fund important research.

His dying wish was for construction to begin on a new £6 million facility based in Leeds and designed to support the needs of people living with MND.

However, his tragic death was announced the day before the facility’s groundbreaking ceremony, leaving his heartbroken father to dig the first hole.

She was watched by the rest of her family and Mr Sinfield and admitted the touching moment ‘meant everything’.

In the middle Mr Burrow added: ‘We’re delighted, we wish he could see it clearly. But Jackson and the kids will see it through Lindsey. We’ll make him proud.’

Rob’s former team Leeds Rhinos confirmed the sad news of Geoff’s passing with a heartfelt message on social media this morning.

They wrote: ‘The club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Rob Burrow’s father, Geoff Burrow.

Rugby legend Burrow, who played for Leeds Rhinos for 17 years, died of MND nearly two years ago

Mr Burrow broke down in tears as he described the rugby league legend as a ‘lovely lad’

Rob Burrow’s family attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new £6m Rob Burrow Motor Neurone Disease Center in Leeds, a day after the former rugby league player’s death was announced.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to Geoff’s wife Irene and all the Burrow family. ‘May he rest in peace.’

Tributes began to pour in from rugby fans and clubs alike.

Hull KR said: ‘Everyone at Hull KR sends our best wishes to the Burrow family at this difficult time.’

Hull FC added: ‘The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Hull FC are with Geoff’s family and friends and all the Burrow family. RIP, Geoff

Wigan Warriors added: ‘Everyone at Wigan Warriors sends our love and support to the Burrow family at this difficult time.’

Bradford Bulls wrote: ‘Our thoughts and condolences are with Geoff’s family at this difficult time.’

Andrew Foster said: ‘Devastating news. Geoff was a hero. The care and time he showed towards Rycroft and Beau after everything they had been through was incredible. What a legacy he left for both rugby league and the MND community. RIP Geoff. ‘You’ve made Rob and your whole family proud.’

Andrew Ball said: ‘Very sad news, although we didn’t know him he came across as a very friendly person. Someone who got himself and his family through a very bad time and did a lot of great work for an important charity. RIP!’

Sheron Boyle added: ‘Oh my god. I spoke to dear Geoff a few weeks ago as he was fighting for new drugs for MND patients. She was heartbroken by Rob’s death. I hope Irene, the girls and her family find solace in being reunited with the son she loves. RIP Geoff.’

Leeds Rhinos, the club where Burrow spent his entire 17-year career and who announced his own tragic death, held a tearful tribute at Headingley at the time.

Burrow’s name and a large yellow number seven adorned the pitch, while Rhinos players wore blue and orange in the Super League match against Leigh.

Burrow’s father was also seen addressing the crowd at the touching pre-match event, which coincidentally took place on Global MND Awareness Day.

‘This is a very emotional night, especially as the first game I took Rob home to was Leeds against Leigh,’ said Mr Burrow, his voice cracking with emotion.

‘He loved every minute.

‘He was cheeky but a cute, nice kid. And I miss him so much.’

Geoff previously spoke of his son passing away peacefully on June 2, 2024, at Pinderfields Hospital near his home in Yorkshire, surrounded by family and ‘on his own terms’.

The father-of-three was at his bedside at Pinderfields Hospital in Castleford with his devoted wife Lindsey, his three children and parents Geoff and Irene, as well as his two sisters Joanne Hartshorne and Claire Burnett.

This is a breaking story, more to come.