Day to remember as city of Leeds pays tribute to Rob Burrow

Nearly 200 people gathered for a civic event celebrating the late Leeds Rhinos rugby legend’s incredible achievements, both on and off the pitch.

Guests at Leeds Civic Hall included Rob’s wife, Lindsey, his parents, Geoff and Irene, and his sisters, Jo and Claire, as well as representatives from the sporting and charity communities.

They heard speeches from, amongst others, Rhinos board member and Rob’s former team-mate Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association chief executive Tanya Curry and Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons and president of the Rugby Football League.

And together their words offered moving testament to the number of lives that were touched by Rob – and his selfless charity fundraising – following his diagnosis with MND in 2019.

In his speech, Jamie described Rob as “the most courageous human being I have ever met in my life”.  He also told the assembled guests: “I encourage you, please, remember the life that Rob lived, learn from the lessons that he taught us all and live by the examples that he set.”

Talking about Rob’s struggle with MND, Tanya said: “The qualities that clearly made him a great and unique player on the rugby pitch – his grit, his determination, his passion and commitment – made him the very best of ambassadors for us and for people living with this condition.”

Sir Lindsay, meanwhile, said: “I know he will always be an inspiration to so many of us. A true rugby league legend, an inspirational fighter against a cruel disease, a loving family man. Rob will never be forgotten.”

Today’s other speakers were Councillor James Lewis (leader of Leeds City Council), Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung (Lord Mayor of Leeds), Tom Riordan (chief executive of Leeds City Council), Ed Anderson CBE (HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire) and Paul Watkins (director of fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity).

Videos telling the story of Rob’s sporting exploits, his fight against MND and his work for charity were also played.

The event – organised jointly by the council and the Rhinos – was streamed online, allowing people across Leeds and far beyond to watch it live. The footage can now also be viewed as a recording.

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

“We were determined, as a council, to pay full and proper tribute to a man whose courage in the face of adversity was truly inspirational.

“I’m sure all those who were present will agree that this civic event was a fine way to honour Rob. It was an occasion that, like his achievements, will live long in the memory.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and helped us show our appreciation for the life of a true Leeds hero.”

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said:

“It was a genuine honour for me to play a part in this event and to welcome our many distinguished guests to the Civic Hall.

“From the tributes and stories we heard, it is clearer than ever that Rob made a positive difference to countless lives. He will never be forgotten.”

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.

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 the day after he passed away.

The council-backed Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, meanwhile, was launched in 2023 and has to date raised more than £7m for charity.

The marathon – which returns next year – aims to help Rob’s legacy live on, thanks to both its name and the way in which it encourages people to tackle and conquer challenges.

Rob was also awarded the freedom of Leeds in 2023, with the honour being officially bestowed on him in a ceremony held in the Civic Hall’s banqueting suite – the same room that hosted today’s commemorative event.

ENDS