Hundreds turn out to bid farewell to Rob Burrow

Hundreds of mourners lined nan streets for a last farewell to rugby convention fable and centrifugal neurone illness (MND) campaigner Rob Burrow.

The erstwhile Leeds Rhinos prima died connected 2 June astatine nan property of 41, having spent his past years raising consciousness and millions of pounds for investigation into nan degenerative condition.

His ceremonial was held successful a backstage work astatine Pontefract Crematorium and was attended by 161 invited guests.

Among family and friends location was his closet pal and chap MND fundraiser Kevin Sinfield, who travelled from New Zealand to join.

Although nan work was for invited guests only, nan nationalist had been encouraged to statement nan way of his last journey.

Crowds gathered connected nan roads of nan ceremonial convoy route, pinch galore group wearing rugby shirts base Burrow's sanction and garment number 7 connected nan back.

People travelled arsenic acold afield arsenic London, Wigan and nan Wirral to salary their respects.

• As it happened: Rob Burrow ceremonial convoy supported by fans

As nan hearse carrying his coffin passed by, it was met by applause pinch mourners becoming emotional.

Yellow and achromatic flowers were thrown onto nan windscreen from group opinionated connected nan roadworthy side.

Life-long Leeds Rhinos instrumentality John Germaine said no-one would spell down successful history for illustration Rob Burrow.

The 79-year-old, who came to salary his respects on pinch his 14-year-old grandson, described nan rugby convention prima arsenic a "gentleman and a good bloke".

Sharron Rooney said she had travelled up from London.

She said: “I’m not a rugby instrumentality but I americium from Bradford. I’ve been really affected by Rob’s MND story.

"I’ve done some Leeds marathons, said I wouldn’t do it again but I’ve already signed up.

"Rob's communicative is heartbreaking and my bosom goes retired to Lindsey and Kevin Sinfield.”

Speaking earlier nan ceremonial work Gary Hetherington, main executive of Leeds Rhinos, said successful nan early shape of Burrow's rugby profession nan subordinate doubted his expertise because of his height.

He said: “He did beryllium himself large enough… he was large successful heart, tone determination and ability. An iconic sportsman.”

Burrow had a 17-year profession that included winning 8 Super League Grand Finals, 3 World Club Challenges and 2 Challenge Cups.

However successful 2019, 2 years aft his status from nan sport, he was diagnosed pinch MND.

In little than 5 years pursuing his diagnosis, he and his friend and erstwhile teammate Kevin Sinfield raised much than £15m for MND charities.

Burrow was made an MBE successful nan 2021 New Year Honours for his services to rugby convention and nan MND community, and was promoted to a CBE successful nan New Year Honours successful 2024.

The begetter of 3 died astatine Pinderfields Hospital successful Wakefield.

In a poignant last message, which Burrow asked to beryllium shared aft his death, he urged group not to "waste a moment" of their lives.