'Determination, spirit and compassion': Two years after his death, Rob Burrow's courage still inspires Leeds
As today marks two years since the death of Leeds Rhinos hero Rob Burrow, we reflect on his lasting legacy to Leeds
In April 2001, Super League history had no idea that a pint sized pocket rocket was about to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
When Rob Burrow laced up his boots for Leeds Rhinos for the first time nobody could have predicted the legacy he would pave.
Standing at just five foot five his strength, courage and determination showed true Yorkshire grit.
And after nearly 500 appearances on the pitch for Leeds, Yorkshire and his country, it made him a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the pitch.
But his life was tragically turned upside down when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2019.
Rob alongside with his team mate and captain Kevin Sinfield - and supported by his loving family - made it his mission to raise funds and awareness for the disease.
He showed Leeds, and the rest of the world, that true greatness isn’t measured by the number of trophies you win on a pitch with your team mates or the roar of the applause in the stands.
The Leeds Rhinos legend was a testament that real spirit comes in other forms.
It is the courage to keep inspiring others even in the face of life’s hardest battles.
And after his devastating diagnosis with MND, despite Rob’s voice growing quieter his sheer strength and determination spoke louder than ever before.
He was determined to use his platform to leave a lasting legacy for the city that will echo through the generations.
His name lives on through the specialist MND care and research facility at the heart of Seacroft.
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease is a sanctuary for families impacted by the cruel condition to seek support.
The Burrow family have been determined that through Rob’s experiences they want to improve the treatment and quality of life for those whose lives are so harshly taken away from them.
And it is also a place where families and loved ones can seek and wrap their arms around an entire support network who know too well the impact the condition can have.
Two years on from his tragic death his legacy continues to leave its mark on our city.
He represents the best qualities of the city itself: determination, community spirit and compassion in the face of adversity