We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE, the former rugby league athlete who was loved by so many for his heroics on the pitch and his fund-raising efforts in retirement.
Rob’s death, at 41, comes four and a half years since he was diagnosed with the brain and spinal cord-affecting Motor Neurone Disease. Harnessing his unrivalled athlete mentality, Rob sought to raise awareness and funds for sufferers of the disease in the time he had left, becoming a patron for the MND Association, and even inspiring the launch of The Rob Burrow MND Rose, from Harkness Roses.
The once scrum half was diagnosed with MND just two years after ending his 16-year playing career, in which he represented Leeds Rhinos and England. He made it his passion to talk about the disease in the public eye, bringing MND to the forefront of people’s attention, including opening up in two BBC documentaries.
Rob’s efforts as a true charity hero for the MND Association saw him made a CBE, presented to him by Prince William at Headingley Stadium, the home of Leeds Rhinos. The MND Association is a charity focussed on improving access to care, funding research, and campaigning for those living with, or affected by, MND.
Just one of Rob’s ventures for the MND Association saw £70,000 raised by fans and supporters during the weekend of the Challenge Cup Final in 2020. Rob went on to complete four unbelievable challenges alongside his former captain Kevin Sinfield, who was also later made a CBE, raising more than £7 million for various MND charities and groups.
In 2023, we at Harkness Roses were incredibly proud to launch The Rob Burrow MND Rose at the Hampton Court Flower Show.
This bush rose features soft apricot flowers each with up to 40 petals. The flowers coat a plant of dark green and glossy foliage for months across summer. Not just beautiful to look at, the roses also release a myrrh scent as they repeatedly bloom. A £2.50 donation is made by Harkness Roses to the MND Association (registered charity no. 294354) for the sale of each rose.
About MND
It is estimated that around 5,000 adults are currently living with MND in the UK, with an average of six people being diagnosed each and every day.
MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It attacks the nerves that control movement and eventually leaves people unable to move, communicate or breathe. It kills a third of people within a year of diagnosis and half within two years. There is no cure. The MND Association have made it their mission to help those with the disease, and those closest to them, to provide support in those darkest times.