It is always sad when a person passes away but sometimes, it can affect more people than others. This occurred when Rob Burrow died after battling motor neuron disease.
Rob Burrow was the star player for the Leeds Rhinos and England. He had struggled with motor neuron disease (MND) for a long time but lost the battle on June 2 when he died at the age of 41.
As a rugby league star, he was known and beloved by many. As a result, hundreds of people stood in line to give their respects to him as a final way of saying goodbye. They wanted to acknowledge his good work and what he offered in his life.
The event was attended by approximately 180 people along with his family. It was covered by Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds.
There were others who were also invited of note, including his own teammate, Jamie Jones-Buchanan. James Lewis, the leader of Leeds City Council was also present.
Rob was at home in West Yorkshire and he was in the hospital nearby when he died. Ground was broken just a few hours later on a new research center for MND that will be named after him.
Hundreds of people lined the streets to pay their respects as he was driven to his final resting place. Many of them wore sporting shirts and the road was lined with blue. Many junior players from Featherstone Lions ARLFC were also there in their gear.
As the hearse drove through the crowds, a police motorcycle road behind. Five cars followed in the profession, including one that carried his wife, Lindsey. They were married in 2006. Their three children were in the car with her.
He was buried in a blue cloth that said Dad, Bro, and Son. White flower bouquets were also placed in the back with him.
In a farewell message to others that he left before he died, he stated that they should not waste a moment of their life. He said: “In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream.”
We will miss him. May he rest in peace.