The upcoming civic event in Leeds is dedicated to honoring the late Rob Burrow CBE, a Leeds Rhinos rugby legend known for his advocacy after his motor neurone disease diagnosis. This event reflects the city’s admiration for his enduring legacy and includes tributes, a live stream for inclusivity, and highlights his charitable work.
What is the significance of the upcoming civic event in Leeds dedicated to Rob Burrow CBE?
The upcoming civic event in Leeds honors the late Rob Burrow CBE, celebrating his contributions as a Leeds Rhinos rugby legend and his advocacy after his motor neurone disease diagnosis. The event includes tributes, a live stream for inclusivity, and highlights his charitable work, reflecting the city’s admiration and commitment to his enduring legacy.
Compassionate City Honors a Sporting Legend
Leeds, a city known for its vibrant community and sports enthusiasm, is preparing for a significant event this week. On Friday, July 12, Leeds Civic Hall will become the congregation point for a solemn yet celebratory occasion: a civic event dedicated to the life and achievements of the late Rob Burrow CBE. In the presence of family, friends, and admirers, this gathering will pay homage to a man who was much more than a rugby icon.
The Leeds Rhinos stand at the heart of this affair, representing the sporting fraternity that Rob so brilliantly led. As attendees, including the Rhinos board member and Rob’s former teammate Jamie Jones-Buchanan, prepare for an afternoon of reflection, the city anticipates a surge of emotions. Speeches and videos will not only recount Rob’s illustrious sports career but also highlight his courageous battle with motor neurone disease (MND) and his subsequent advocacy and fundraising efforts.
Spearheaded by The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, with an opening speech, the event is a testament to the city’s solidarity. Prominent figures such as MND Association chief executive Tanya Curry and Leeds City Council leader Councillor James Lewis will take the podium to deliver their tributes. They will be joined by Tom Riordan, Ed Anderson CBE, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and Paul Watkins, each contributing to a narrative of remembrance and inspiration.
Tributes to a Local Hero
The banqueting suite of the Civic Hall, no stranger to ceremonies of high esteem, was the very place where Rob was awarded the freedom of Leeds—a gesture signifying the indelible mark he left on the city. Although the July 12 event is invite-only, its significance extends far beyond the halls of the Civic Hall. The city ensures inclusivity through a live stream, inviting people from Leeds and beyond to partake in the celebration virtually.
The impact of Rob’s passing early in June was felt across the nation, evidenced by the tributes that adorned the AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium. Such was the overwhelming response that the funeral procession saw thousands line the streets, a community united in grief and respect. Reflecting on this, Councillor James Lewis remarked, “It’s our privilege to be honouring Rob’s life and achievements with this civic event… he meant to our city.”
Echoing this sentiment, The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, expressed the city’s collective heartache and admiration, saying, “The love and respect that has been expressed for Rob since he passed away has been incredibly moving to see.” Gary Hetherington, Leeds Rhinos’ chief executive, too acknowledged the comfort these tributes provide to Rob’s family and the significance of the upcoming event.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Rob Burrow’s name is synonymous with Leeds Rhinos, having made nearly 500 appearances for the team between 2001 and 2017. His career accolades are substantial, boasting eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, and three World Club Challenge trophies. Yet, Rob’s legacy extends far beyond his on-field heroics. He was a fervent supporter of community upliftment, championing the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and the council’s Child Friendly Leeds programme.
After his diagnosis in 2019, Rob became the face of resilience and hope, leading a Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal. The campaign aimed to fund a specialist MND care centre, and groundbreaking on the project occurred at Seacroft Hospital the day after his passing. Moreover, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, launched in 2023, has already raised over £7m for charity, with its next iteration anticipated with great excitement.
The civic event on Friday at 11 am—jointly organized by the council and the Rhinos—marks another chapter in the city’s dedication to honoring Rob’s memory. Meanwhile, the council deliberates over a permanent tribute to etch Rob’s legacy into the heart of Leeds. The public is invited to witness the ceremony, which promises to be a fitting salute to an extraordinary life lived.
The narrative of Rob Burrow CBE is not one of an individual but of an entire city that found a hero in its midst. As Leeds comes together to celebrate his life, the ripple effect of his influence is palpable, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
ENDS
- The upcoming civic event in Leeds honors the late Rob Burrow CBE, celebrating his contributions as a Leeds Rhinos rugby legend and his advocacy after his motor neurone disease diagnosis.
- Leeds Civic Hall will host the event, paying homage to Rob’s sports career, courageous battle with MND, and fundraising efforts with speeches and tributes.
- The event, invite-only, will be live-streamed for inclusivity, reflecting the city’s solidarity and admiration for Rob.
- Rob Burrow’s legacy extends beyond sports, including his charity work and leading a fundraising campaign for a specialist MND care center.
- The civic event on Friday, jointly organized by the council and the Rhinos, is a tribute to Rob’s memory and his enduring impact on Leeds.