Rob Burrow: In parting message, rugby league legend exhorts people to “don’t waste a moment.”
Following his passing, Rob Burrow left a specially recorded farewell message that was aired as part of the BBC documentary There’s Only One Rob Burrow. Former England captain and international teammate Sam Burgess, whose father passed away from motor neuron disease, also paid homage to the legendary Leeds Rhinos player.
After being diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) in December 2019, the legendary Leeds Rhinos player gave his life to raising funds and awareness for MND causes. He passed away on Sunday at the age of 41.
The eight-time Super League Grand Final champion imparted lessons learned from his personal struggle with motor neuron disease (MND) in a message specifically recorded for the BBC documentary There’s Only One Rob Burrow, which aired on Monday night.
“I hope one day we find a cure and live in a world free of MND,” Burrow stated. When you watch this, I won’t be around anymore.
“I’m just a Yorkshire boy who got to play rugby league, the game of his dreams.
“As a father of three young children I would never want any family to have to go through what my family have since my diagnosis.”Hopefully, I have made an impact on the illness. Living in the moment is what I hope it conveys. I hope the entire tale serves as an inspiration to you.
“Be brave and face your personal war, whatever it may be, is my parting advice to you. Each and every day is valuable. Do not delay a second. Even in this world of hardship, we must have the courage to dream.
“Rob Burrow, over and out.”
Former England captain Sam Burgess was one of several rugby league players who paid respect to Burrow, and he shared those feelings.
Mark Burrow, the father of Burgess, passed away 17 years ago following an MND diagnosis, and the head coach of the Warrington Wolves was aware of the struggles the Burrow family had to endure.
“I know what the Burrow family went through first-hand because we lost our father in 2007 and it’s a tragic disease,” Burgess stated. I am probably better than most at appreciating Rob’s influence on the MND community.
“As I drove to work, I thought about what actually matters and what this whole thing is all about. Your family, your health, your friendships, the memories you’re creating, and everything else—aside from attempting to avoid expending too much energy on things that aren’t as important.
“It’s a nice time to reflect and also a nice time to celebrate what a special guy Rob Burrow was.”
In addition to playing against him in the Super League, Burgess represented England and Great Britain with Burrow, and his older brother Luke was a teammate of Leeds’ scrum-half or hooker.
The former player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs witnessed the difference Burrow’s advocacy made for Australians fighting motor neuron disease.
“Globally, I think he’s had an impact on the MND community,” Burgess stated. “He’s probably touched a great deal of lives both here and in Australia.
“Rob deserves a lot of praise, but regrettably, it has come at the expense of his life.
“That man possessed courage. He approached life’s challenges in the same manner as he approached his sport.
Burrow tributes planned for Challenge Cup finals
Rugby League players will honour Burrow on Saturday at Wembley on Betfred Challenge Cup finals day.
A minute’s silence will be observed before the men’s and women’s finals, but full details of the celebration of the life of the Leeds icon will be revealed on Wednesday.
In addition, supporters at Wembley are being urged to applaud for one minute at the end of each of the games being played on the day, including the Year 7 Champion Schools final and the 1895 Cup final, in honour of Burrow’s shirt number.
Rhodri Jones, managing director of RL Commercial, stated, “Saturday does provide us with an opportunity to celebrate his life for everyone at the stadium and the television audience as well.”
“Rob will be respected and the fight against motor neurone disease will be supported by all eight participating teams.
“There will be a minute’s silence as part of the pre-match ceremony for each of the two Challenge Cup finals and we will ask everyone in the stadium to join a minute’s applause after seven minutes in each of the four finals being played on the day.”
