Rob Burrow’s father, Geoff, has died aged 74 after a ‘period of ill health’ following his and his rugby legend son’s tireless campaign for motor neurone disease.
The Leeds Rhino star passed away nearly two years ago at just 41 from motor neurone disease, having bravely battled the disease for nearly five years.
He had campaigned to increase awareness of MND 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 £6million facility based in Leeds and designed to support the needs of people living with MND.
But his tragic death was announced the day before a ground breaking ceremony for the site, leaving his heartbroken father to dig the first hole.
He was watched by the rest of his family and Mr Sinfield, and admitted the poignant moment ‘meant everything’.
On the centre, Mr Burrow added: ‘We’re glad, I wish he could have seen it open. But he will see it through Jackson and the kids, Lindsey. We’re going to make him proud.’
The Leeds Rhinos confirmed the sad news of Geoff’s passing with a heartfelt tribute on social media this morning.
They wrote: ‘It is with deep sadness that the club has learned of the passing on Monday 30th March of Geoff Burrow, the father of Rob Burrow, after a period of ill health.
‘Leeds-born Geoff was a tireless campaigner for the MND community following Rob’s diagnosis in December 2019 and continued that work after Rob’s passing in June 2024.
‘A devoted husband, father and a grandfather, Geoff brought Rob to his first ever game at Headingley and started his love of the Rhinos.
‘Geoff was always a champion for those who did not have a voice throughout his career as a trade union representative.
‘The club would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Geoff’s wife Irene and the Burrow family at this sad time.
‘We would like to ask that the family are given privacy at this time. May he rest in peace.’
Tributes have begun flooding 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 the entire Burrow family. RIP, Geoff.’
Wigan Warriors said: ‘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 had for Rycroft and Beau after all he had been through was incredible. What a legacy he has left for both rugby league and the MND community. RIP Geoff. You did Rob and your whole family proud.’
Andrew Ball added: ‘Such sad news, although didn’t know him, he came across as such a genuine person. Who carried himself and the family through a terrible time, and did a lot of great work for an important charity. RIP!’
Sheron Boyle said: ‘Oh my goodness. I spoke with lovely Geoff a couple of weeks ago as he was fighting for MND new medications for sufferers. His heart was broken by Rob’s death. I hope Irene, the girls and family take comfort that he is reunited with his beloved boy. RIP Geoff.’
Geoff and his wife Irene cared for their son two days a week after he was diagnosed with MND so that Rob’s wife Lindsey could continue her work as an NHS physiotherapist.
Leeds Rhinos, the club Burrow spent his entire 17-year career, staged a tear-jerking tribute at Headingley at the time of the player’s death.
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.’
Geoff had previously spoken about how his son had passed away peacefully and ‘on his terms’ surrounded by his family at Pinderfields Hospital near his home in Yorkshire on June 2, 2024.
The father-of-three had his devoted wife Lindsey, his three children, his parents Geoff and Irene, as well as his two sisters Joanne Hartshorne and Claire Burnett at his bedside at Pinderfields Hospital in Castleford as he moved on.
Rob’s father told journalists at the time the family is determined to keep fighting until a cure for MND has been found.
Asked what touched people about Rob’s ‘story’, his father said: ‘He was genuine, what you saw is what you got. He didn’t really like publicity believe it or not, he did it and he wants us to keep doing it to get that cure.
‘I wish we would have got it before he passed but we will get it for him and all the poor families that suffer from MND.’
His mother added: ‘We are going to keep banging that drum, we will get there.’
Speaking at the venue, Mr Burrow revealed that his son had accepted it was his time to go as he passed away over the weekend.
He said it was ‘obviously a very sad day but it was peaceful and we made sure he ended his journey on his conditions, we didn’t want any suffering and he didn’t suffer, it was very peaceful.
‘He was in hospital. He smiled, we got sad and he gave us the look, you know “pack it in smile” and what have you and we did our best.’
Mr Burrow added: ‘It was very sad, surreal, you know you feel as though there is going to be a big difference and there isn’t, we still haven’t quite accepted it yet.’
