The father of Rob Burrow, a former rugby player who died from motor neurone disease (MND) in 2024, has died following a period of ill health.
Rob’s former club, Leeds Rhinos, confirmed Geoff Burrow’s passing on Monday, 30 March in a statement, describing him as a ‘tireless campaigner for the MND community’.
After Rob’s diagnosis in 2019, Geoff, along with his family and Rob’s former teammate Kevin Sinfield, helped raise millions for MND charities.
Rob Burrow died at the age of 41 following a four and a half year battle with MND.
A spokesperson for the Leeds Rhinos said: “Leeds-born Geoff was a tireless campaigner for the MND community following Rob’s diagnosis in December 2019 and continued that work after Rob’s passing in June 2024.
“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.”
Leeds Hospitals Charity have also expressed condolences adding that Geoff was “an incredible advocate for those living with MND”.
Speaking to ITV Calendar in June last year, one year on from Rob’s death, Geoff told ITV Calendar: “We have good and bad days, but you have got to keep banging the drum for MND for the other patients, sufferers and families.”
Vowing to continue campaigning, Geoff supported Leeds Hospitals Charity in their appeal to build the Rob Burrow Motor Neurone Disease Centre which opened in November last year following years of fundraising.
The centre in Seacroft, is the first purpose-built centre dedicated entirely to MND care, research, education and holistic support.
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