Rob Burrow funeral: Best friend Kevin Sinfield arrives at Pontefract crematorium among mourners for final farewell to MND campaigner and rugby league legend
Hundreds of mourners are lining the streets today to pay respect to Rugby League legend and motor neurone disease sufferer Rob Burrow.
The former Leeds Rhinos star’s funeral is being held in a private service at Pontefract Crematorium.
He passed away ‘peacefully’ aged 41 at hospital on June 2, five years after being diagnosed with the neurological condition.
His best friend Kevin Sinfield was among the mourners gathering at the crematorium ahead of the service.
He wore a black suit, white shirt, and black tie as he walked alongside his wife Jayne while clutching her hand.
Crowds were seen lining along the route with many wearing rugby shirts bearing Burrow’s name and number seven on the back.
Others waved blue flags with his name lovingly adorned in yellow on the front as they waited to bid farewell to the hero.
Traffic came to a standstill and drivers sat respectfully in their cars and clapped as mourners burst into tears and broke out into a ripple of applause as the hearse carrying his coffin drove past.
A wreath of white flowers spelling the words ‘Bro’ and ‘Son’ could be seen inside the vehicle on one side, with ‘Dad’ on the other as he made his final journey.
Yellow and white flowers were thrown onto the windscreen from members of the public standing in the crowd on the side of the road.
One mourner wearing a hoodie could be seen slowly walking up to the hearse to lay a single flower on the windscreen before she edged her way backwards.
A black flag attached to a silver Range Rover flapped in the wind as the vehicle slowly followed behind.
Hundreds of mourners have lined the streets today to pay respect to Rugby League legend and motor neurone disease sufferer Rob Burrow
Flowers have been laid by mourners on the windscreen of the hearse carrying Burrow’s coffin
White flowers spelling ‘Bro and ‘Son’ sit in the hearse carrying Burrow’s coffin
On the other side the word ‘Dad’ was spelled out in white flowers
Guests begin to arrive at Pontefract Crematorium to say goodbye to the rugby hero
The funeral cortege passes through the streets of Pontefract
Mourners burst into tears and applauded as a hearse carrying his coffin drove past, while drivers sat respectfully in their cars and clapped
A wreath of white flowers spelling the words ‘Bro’ and ‘Son’ could be seen inside the vehicle on one side, with ‘Dad’ on the other
Burrow’s close friend Kevin Sinfield arrives at Pontefract Crematorium with his wife Jayne
Hundreds of mourners lined the streets along the route where the funeral cortege will pass
One mourner wearing a hoodie could be seen slowly walking up to the hearse to lay a single flower on the windscreen before she edged her way backwards
The former Leeds Rhinos star’s funeral is being held in a private service at Pontefact Crematorium
People, many wearing rugby shirts, stand close to the edge of the kerb as they wait for the cortege to pass
Crowds gather for the funeral of much loved rugby hero Rob Burrow
A yellow banner with the words ‘Rob Burrow 7 Over and Out’ is draped across the back of a white van
Mourners wait along the funeral cortege route to say goodbye to rugby legend Rob Burrow
A mourner in a Rob Burrow strip at Pontefract Crematorium
Although a private service, members of the public were invited to line the route of the funeral cortege.
Five cars led the cortege as it slowed outside Featherstone Lions ARLFC’s ground where Burrow played junior rugby.
The cortege slowed again as it passed through Featherstone and near to where he played.
Earlier today fans headed to the stadium to sign a book of condolence in his memory. Some had travelled from as far as London having been touched by the inspirational hero’s story.
Fan and Leeds Rhinos season ticket holder Stephen Hambleton, 64, hung Rob Burrow shirts on a line across the front window of his home in tribute.
He told the BBC: ‘I hope his legacy goes on forever, especially with his MND contributions.
‘He just brought so much awareness to it and this is me saying thank you to him.’
He is being laid to rest on a poignant day with it also being Rob Burrow Day – the day each year that his former club annually celebrates because of the iconic number 7 shirt worn by him during his illustrious rugby league career.
Speaking ahead of the funeral, Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said Burrow had doubted himself at the start of his career because of his height.
At 5ft5in tall, he was known as one of the smallest players in the Super League, but Mr Hetherington said he ‘prove himself big enough’.
‘He was big in heart, spirit determination and ability. An iconic sportsman,’ he told the BBC.
The athlete represented both England and Great Britain during his impressive 16-year long career and made more than 100 appearances between 2001 and 2017.
Burrow won eight Super League titles with Leeds but and was diagnosed with the disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career.
He dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community.
Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours for his services to rugby league and the MND community, and was promoted to a CBE in the New Year Honours in 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 when he passed.
His final wish had been for construction to begin on a new £6million specialist centre for people dealing the incurable illness days in Leeds before his death.
His pre-recorded final words to his friends and family, to be heard only after he died, were revealed on the BBC One special programme ‘There’s Only One Rob Burrow’.
Steadfast, he said: ‘I’m a fighter, to be honest. I might not be able to tackle MND but I’ll certainly be swinging, I’m not going to give in, not until my last breath.
Fans wearing specially made shirts in tribute to Burrow stand on a grass verge
A rugby shirt is draped over a traffic island along the route
A pooch is dressed in a special top in memory to Burrow which reads: ‘Burrow 7 he was our mate’
A group of youngsters drape their arms over each other’s shoulders in a show of emotional support
Burrow’s wife, Lindsey, and their children Jackson, Maya and Macy arrive at the Leeds Rhinos’ stadium to lay flowers
Hundreds of flowers were laid outside Leeds Rhinos’ stadium when Burrow’s death was announced
Rob posing with his wife Lindsey (left), eldest daughter Macy (back right), second daughter Maya (front right), and son Jackson (sitting on the arm of the wheelchair)
Burrow revealed that one of his greatest struggles was not being able to help look after his children but said they had been brave and supported him throughout his health battle
His wife (pictured on their wedding day) spoke of how rugby drew them together
A special programme called ‘There’s Only One Rob Burrow’ shows photos from his earlier life. He is pictured above with Lindsey
Burrow and his wife Lindsey at Windsor Castle to receive his MBE in 2022
Burrow playing for the Leeds Rhinos. The friends made while playing for the team have played a big part in raising awareness for MND with former teammates completing challenges to raise money
The rugby legend spent his entire club career with Leeds and made more than 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017 before his shock diagnosis in 2019
The show plays heartbreakingly emotional scenes from his wedding, family and rugby career
‘I’m a prisoner in my own body, that’s the way MND gets you. The lights are on but no one is home.’
As footage of his family and close friends was shown on the screen reacting to his words, he says: ‘I hope I have left a mark on this disease. I hope you choose to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration.’
He ends the video – which will be an incredibly tough watch for viewers – by smiling and saying: ‘Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow over and out.’
His young daughters also bravely spoke about their father, with Macy, 12, declaring: ‘He has left a mark on this world.’
The campaigner said in a flashback to when he was younger: ‘The guys always seemed to be a lot lot bigger than me. It inspired me to be more determined.’
Recalling his diagnosis, he said: ‘My family told me I was slurring my speech a bit but I didn’t take notice or believe them.’
His emotional widow revealed: ‘I remember that moment being told it’s not good news. Asking how long and them saying two years. Rob said ‘thank god it’s me and not the kids’. That’s all he was bothered about.’
He says in the video: ‘I think I would’ve broken down if it was me but Lindsey has this unwavering patience.’
Asked about the effect on his children, he tears up, unable to continue.
He then said: ‘I had no idea how my family would hope. They’ve become a beacon of hope for families in the same situation as ours.’
Rob Burrow and friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield cross the finish line of the 2023 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to raise awareness for MND
Burrow smiling at his former teammate Kevin Sinfield as he crossed the line in his Extra Mile Challenge in 2021
Flowers, messages and other tributes left at Headingley Stadium in Leeds in tribute
He added: ‘I have had such a great life. I have been gifted with the most incredible wife and three children. I hope they know how much I love them.’
The poignant video concluded with the icon saying: ‘As a father of three young children, I would never want someone to go through this.
‘I hope I have left a mark on this disease. I hope you choose to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration.
‘My final message to you is whatever your personal battle to be brave and face it.
‘Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow over and out.’
