Updated 11:31, 30 Mar 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
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\nGeoff Burrow with his son Rob(Image: Huddersfield Examiner)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/p>\n
Geoff Burrow, the father of Rob Burrow, has passed away, it has been announced. Geoff was a key part of the extraordinary awareness-raising and fundraising campaign that was started after rugby league legend Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.<\/p>\n
Leeds Rhinos said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness that the club has learned of the passing on Monday 30 th<\/sup> March of Geoff Burrow, the father of Rob Burrow, after a period of ill health.<\/p>\n“Leeds-born Geoff was a tireless campaigner for the MND community following Rob\u2019s diagnosis in December 2019 and continued that work after Rob\u2019s passing in June 2024.<\/p>\n
“A devoted husband, father and a grandfather, Geoff brought Rob to his first ever game at Headingley and started his love of the Rhinos. Geoff was always a champion for those who did not have a voice throughout his career as a trade union representative.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Sir Mo Farah undeterred by Middle East war as he presses ahead with Qatar move<\/span><\/span>READ MORE: Michael Carrick has turned to club legend Bryan Robson to educate Man Utd players<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“The club would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Geoff\u2019s wife Irene and the Burrow family at this sad time. We would like to ask that the family are given privacy at this time. May he rest in peace.”<\/p>\n
Leeds legend Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in late 2019 and died in June 2024. He campaigned relentlessly during the final years of his life and was supported by his family and ex-teammate Kevin Sinfield, who has completed numerous incredible physical challenges to raise money.<\/p>\n
Their work saw the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease established at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds. Ground was broken in June 2024, shortly after Rob’s death, and the \u00a36.8million centre was opened to the public in November 2025.<\/p>\n
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\nRob Burrow’s family, (left to right) sister Claire Burnett, father Geoff Burrow, mother Irene Burrow and sister Joanne Hartshorn, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in 2024(Image: PA)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/div>\n
“Thanks to all the people who raised money,” Geoff said at the time. “It’s not just for MND sufferers and their families, but for all the staff. The staff are marvellous, they’re angels.”<\/p>\n
Geoff helped look after Rob and his children so that Rob’s wife Lindsey could continue to work as an NHS physiotherapist. \u201cWe made sure he ended his journey on his conditions, we didn\u2019t want any suffering\u2026 it was very peaceful,” Geoff said after Rob’s passing.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was in hospital. He smiled, we got sad and he gave us the look, you know \u2018pack it in smile\u2019 and what have you and we did our best.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nGeoff Burrow (left) with his son Rob and former team mates Matt Diskin (back left) Keith Senior (2nd right) and Barry McDermott (right).(Image: Huddersfield Examiner)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/div>\n
Warrington Wolves wrote: “Everyone at Warrington Wolves sends our love and support to the Burrow family at such a difficult time.”<\/p>\n
Wigan Warriors added: “Everyone at Wigan Warriors sends our love and support to the Burrow family at this difficult time.”<\/p>\n
St Helens said: “Everyone at St.Helens R.F.C. would like to send our condolences, love and support to the Burrow family at this time. Rest In Peace, Geoff.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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