Tributes have been paid to former Rugby League player and Motor Neurone Disease Association patron Rob Burrow, who died at the weekend four and a half years after he was diagnosed with the disease.

Following his diagnosis the former Leeds Rhinos player and his family raised millions of pounds and awareness for those impacted by Motor Neurone Disease.

“Rob and his family bravely chose to publicly share their MND journey to raise awareness of the disease. All of us at the Association are incredibly grateful for everything they have done,” said the MND Association.

“Rob has inspired so many individuals, families, clubs and societies, companies and trusts to support the work of the Association, by taking on challenges, fundraising and donating. We are grateful to all of those supporters for their generosity and their desire to fight back against this devastating disease.

Burrow, together with former Leeds and England captain Kevin Sinfeld, inspired nearly £20m in fundraising across the UK and Ireland.

This included Sinfeld's running of seven marathons in seven days, which raised more than £2.5m.

Fundraising also included raising around £6m to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.

“Today was the day that I hoped would never come,” said Sinfeld.

“The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so many”.

Kevin Sinfield pays tribute to his friend Rob Burrow after the former Leeds Rhinos side passed away on Sunday pic.twitter.com/2USaDRom5l

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) June 2, 2024

Last year Burrow was awarded a CBE from Prince William, who said that Burrow “had a huge heart” adding “he taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’

Burrow was also a patron of the Leeds Hospital Charity, where the MND Centre named after him is being located.

“Rob was an inspiration, not only to the people of Yorkshire, but the entire nation, and across the world. Despite facing his own challenges, Rob was devoted to raising awareness and funds to help people living with motor neurone disease and their loved ones, until the end.

“Rob, and his family, bravely shared his personal story with us all and showed us how to live life to the fullest in the face of adversity. Even when his own voice failed him, he gave a voice to the entire MND community giving people hope and spreading joy with his infectious smile and unwavering sense of humour.”

The charity added: “Thanks to Rob’s dedication and support, we have now raised £5.8 million to help bring Rob’s dream to life, a specialist centre for people living with MND and their families.

"We’re honoured that we can continue to pay tribute to Rob and the everlasting impact he has had through the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. “

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