Rob Burrow CBE Civic Commemoration all speeches

good morning my Lord Lieutenant Lord mayor Mr Speaker ladies and gentlemen it's with a real uh mix of emotions uh we welcome you here today um we're here of course to celebrate and commemorate Rob's life and also to say thank you um for everything he did um I want to particularly welcome Rob's family here today and also those who cared for rob during his illness uh my name is Jonathan PRI I'm the deputy leader of Lee City Council um so I'm just going to run through a few short bits of housekeeping uh before we start um Rob had a huge impact on on the people of leads um we know this through the council uh and even behind me you can see where Rob and Kev were given the freedom of the city and after this event there also the the formal documents are at the end of the chamber you were in earlier so I do urge you to go and have a look at those we're going to hear from a lot of speakers today who will be talking about um how Rob took his diagnosis and did something positive with that gave a voice to the m andd Community helped raise millions of pounds and will leave a lasting positive Legacy on this city and the whole world I am absolutely honored and proud to have this opportunity to welcome you to the Civic Hall and to this Civic Memorial event to commemorate and celebrate the life of Rob burrow CBE We Gather here today with heavy Hearts to commemorate the life of Rob who was a beloved husband father friend and an exceptional athlete who inspired us all Rob's battle with murine disease M andd since his diagnosis in 2019 was fought with say with the same courage determination and tenacity that defined his career on the Rugby field Rob was just was not just a remarkable Sportsman he was a Beacon of Hope a source of strength for countless individuals throughout his career with Le rhinos Rob dazzled us with his agility his speed and unwavering spirit standing at just 5 foot five he was often described as the smallest player with the biggest heart his statue never defined his cap abilities rather it was his resilience and skill that left an indelible mark on the sport and all who watched him Beyond his athletic achievements Rob's Journey with M andd brought a new level of awareness to his devastating disease even in the face of his diagnosis Rob continued to inspire and uplift those around him his courage in sharing his battle publicly helped to shed light on the realities of M andd and brought attention to the need for research and support for those affected Rob's Legacy extends far beyond the rugby pitch he showed us the true meaning of Bravery not just through his athletic progess but through his grace and positivity in the face of adversity no wonder he left us with the same in times of adversity let us dare to dream he remained a dedicated family man always finding joy in his time with his with time with his loved ones his love for his family was evident in every smile every word of encouragement and every moment spent together I was privileged to be invited to watch Rob's private preview film of the BBC at the leads Everyman Cinema at leads Trinity in October 2022 where I met Rob Lindsay and their beautiful children that day would always remain in my heart I was also honored to be present in January 2023 when Rob and Kevin were made hry Freeman of the city our lead's highest Civic honor this was in recognition and appreciation of the honor and distinction brought to the City by their outstanding sporting achievements their Char charitable work with lead's hospitals and the M andd Association and their support to The Wider M andd community yesterday I went to meet the inspirational drct agam Jung and her team at the ccraft hospital and I heard all about the journey to building a dedicated beautiful bepoke space for M andd patients I was touched to meet the leads M andd team who I've seen some of them here today thank you so much for coming who actually cared for Rob and to learn more about this Dreadful disease Dr jun's passion and expert te on M andd is exemplary and I just want to say thank you the vision for the new center and the tangible progress being made towards its realization reflect a profound commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by M&D as we remember Rob today we also celebrate the impact he had on our lives his story is one of unyielding determination profound love and the power of the human Spirit Rob taught us to cherish every moment to face our challenges head on and to never lose sight of the importance of community and support to Rob's family we extend our deepest sympathies your strength and support have been a source of inspiration for all of us we are let us remember Rob not just for the extraordinary athlete that he was but for the extraordinary person he was he leaves behind a legacy of resilience hope and unwavering love the love and respect has been expressed for Rob since he pass has been incredibly moving to see he made a massive difference to the lives of lots of us here in leads both on and off the pitch and we will always remember him good morning everyone I'm very pleased to have the opportunity to say a few words on this important occasion when we honor the memory of Rob burrow one my name is Ed Anderson I have the honor and privilege of being the Lord left tenant of West Yorkshire his majesty the king's personal representative in this County but I'm also here as a longtime supporter of the leads rhinos I had a season ticket right through the glory years from 2004 to 2017 when Leeds rhinos won eight super leagues two challenge cups and three World Club challenges it was a wonderful team packed with Heroes and Superstars I will never forget the gasps of excitement every time he got the ball and seemed to miraculously squeeze through non-existent gaps before accelerating away from his opponents and we saw a glimpse of that earlier I shared the sense of shock that everyone felt when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease shortly after his retirement and I have been truly inspired by the courage shown by Rob Lindsay his wider family and of course the incredible fundraising efforts of Kevin sinfield and I'm so pleased that the work is now in progress on the new Rob burrow Center at coft hospital Rob burrow and his family have made an incredible impact upon so many people in Leeds West Yorkshire and much further a field in including right across the world I pray that as a result of his work following his diagnosis the awareness of M andd has been raised to the extent that a cure may be found before too long for this terrible disease that the Prince of Wales was delighted to present Rob with his CBE in January today as the king's personal represent representative in this County I salute the memory of one of West yorkshire's true greats thank you good morning everybody um and again welcome to lead Civic h I'm councelor James leou and I'm leader of lead city council and I'm really pleased we've been able to work to bring um this event together and I think it's really fitting that we're able to um commemorate Mark Rob's life in Leeds a city where he made his name with the leads rhinos and you know for as a city and leads um we will work in the months ahead to find a fitting long-term commemoration we have the Rob borrow uh marathon where people um contest themselves against the challenge of running a marathon I know there's people in the room who have um competed in the marathon we will also look about how we can find a fitting long-term Legacy but I know for um many people that Legacy will be in finding a cure for m andd a horrible disease and if we can uh work together to find a cure for that disease and to find the therapies it will be a fitting tribute and I think that's something I'm so proud um being done in leads working with our Hospital trust and the Rob bow Center at crof hospital so if FL can be a legacy it'd be absolutely the right one I'm sure everybody in this room is really committed to working towards that thank you and I'd like Lord May Lord leftenant Irene Jeff Lindsay and family what a privilege it is to come to leads today on a day that moves us all this is about rubil we can boast many great players we all have our favorites over different Generations every Club as its most iconic legendary figure and leads can boast many such individuals however I can say without fear or contradiction that no one has more respect and more Rec recognition and more love than one said Rob Barrow playing the game in the age of seven he immediately had an impact as we've just seen supported by his parents Irene and Jeff he went on to star in Junior and amateur ranks before signing for leads too small was often heard so let's just examine his record eight grand final winners medals one of those would have done for Warrington just one three lead three lead leaders medals two challenge cut winners medals three World Club Championship medals 18 International appearances two Harris Sunland trophies man of the match appearance in the Grand Final not bad for a guy who was too small many great players of the game don't have anything like this what a tally of medals while we are all in awe of his heroic battle with m andd we should be equally in awe of his playing career Rob's contribution to the success of Le rhos was absolutely critical he broke many hearts along the way and when I heard that sad news the rug bik family shed a tear but I've got to tell you rob burrow made me cry many times I was on the receiving in of defeat he knew how to upset me but he will always be forgiven speaking as a Warrington wolf supporter I can well remember the occasions of that devastating impact Rob would have on the games when he would simply turn it on its head after a piece of individual Brilliance which we've seen perhaps the most memorable of all was his 50 m solo try against sellin in the 2011 Grand Final but in furnace to Saints he did that kind of thing to every team in the league in Rob's case the number of tributes was immense there were too many to read out here but perhaps one that stood out for me was former Sydney roosters wigam Warriors Ace Adrien lamb who said having played against Rob he realized it was time to retire he simply couldn't compete Rob's impact on the game was marched by his impact on the M andd Community just like at the start of his prank ler he defied the odds he battled bravery he achieved so much raising Millions with the loving support of his family and friends Rob has taken our understanding of awareness of M andd to a whole new level significantly helped in the advance and efforts to find treatments and ultimately a cure the research that would never have happened is no happening it is a legacy that he could be so proud of we know there are illnesses and critical illnesses we never talk about this was one of those I've got to say I had the privilege I remember meeting Rob in Parliament a couple of years ago I was overwhelmed by his positivity his energy that surrounded everything he did despite the impact of M andd that was having on him and in the midst of such tragic circumstances the rug bague Community once again showed itself as it is in the best of doing it the way they was supported Rob Lindsay and family were there he was proud of his family and they've got to say there was one friend that will always stand out Kevin simfield I still say Sir Kevin simfield because if anybody ever deserved it it was Kevin and Rob knew that as well some wrongs we have to put right and I will luk to try and do that it was about the money that was raised it was about fighting an ill it was about research it is about Hope for other people that may would well would never have been there without Rob let us remember that a true definition of the community has been displayed time and time again and I know that this will continue for years to come give him the respect and the love everyone had for Rob his positivity his determination his resilience that grip the hearts of the nation and I know there will always be an inspiration to so many others a true rugile leag legend an inspirational fighter against a cruel disease a loving family man R will never be forgotten and he will always be admired he will be that rugby lead Legend he will good morning everybody I'm so delighted to be standing here as the chief executive of the M andd Association to really try and put into words what Rob meant to us all in the M andd community Robert presented something different to each and every one of you in this room family friend teammate neighbor sporting Legend but most of all beloved Son husband and dad to us in the M andd Community Rob became our figurehead a private man who selflessly agreed to open up his whole life to the world for 4 and a half years ago Rob found himself in the horrendous situation of being diagnosed with motor neurone disease he made the incredibly Brave decision to talk about it with honesty bravery and humility and not just once he did it over and over unflinchingly documenting the impact of this disease and its progression not just on himself but on those around him his wife Lindsay his young children his mom dad family and friends by doing so he really allowed the world to see how the disease left him increasingly debilitated man who was at Peak Physical Fitness like Rob and so many other people with M andd who lose their ability to walk to talk and eventually move but still he allowed us into his life to show the brutality of this disease but most importantly to show people with M andd that they weren't alone he wanted to campaign for a better future but he wanted to take everyone with him Community completely resonated with him people who have never met him totally took him to their hearts and really loved him in Rob's final broadcast message recorded using his eye gaze machine and shared after his he had passed away he said he hoped he left a mark on M andd he's certainly done more than that he's changed the dial for people with this disease and many others living with disabilities he was the first person to read a CBB bedtime story using his eye gaze he hosted an entire podcast series interviewing sporting greats and joined people with M andd when they campaigned in Parliament to win 50 million pound to work out how we treat this disease and work towards a cure twinkle in his eyes the jokes the smart on liners even using his machine he totally lit up a room that spirit that zest for Life the determination to never be beaten has inspired thousands of people across the world because he shared his life living with M andd I've heard MD Community now has people volun ering with us campaigning with us raising awareness raising money all because of the work of Rob they're making a difference to many many people just like robs and his family at the most difficult time of their lives another six people today will receive that devastating diagnosis another six people tomorrow will receive it too at the M andd Association we will strive to reflect Rob's Drive his passion his determination in everything we do he was our Patron and we feel truly humbled and proud to have had the pleasure of meeting and working with him his family and The Wider rugby Community people diagnosed with M andd to May today tomorrow and in the future will be met with all the love the understanding and with even more possibilities and that's all down to this great man so thank you and all our love all of that uh good morning my name is Paul Watkins I'm the director of fundraising at lead hospitals charity it's my absolute privilege today to talk to you alongside such esteemed speakers to reflect on Rob Rob's lasting Legacy today we're here to remember Rob in many roles but I want to recognize amongst his other achievements the test the lasting and profound impact his campaigning and fundraising has had and will continue to have on the motor neuron disease Community whil I did have the pleasure of meeting him and his family on many occasions and was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of one of those magical smiles and twinkles of his eye and anyone who's had been on the that side will remember it for as long as they live as we've already heard today Rob was many things to many people a rugby hero a legend if you're on the opposing side your worst nightmare come true a mate an inspiration and the very best family man at lead hospitals charity we were also proud to call him our Patron and likee in every other aspect of his life he gave his all unconditionally if we asked and he could he would he was the ultimate teammate as Rob and Lindsay became patrons for the charity the whole family have got involved with his sisters Joe and CLA putting on Strictly events in headingley and Blackpool to Lindsay bravely undertaking so many interviews and telling your personal and private stories as well as donning your running shoes running the marath the first Rob burrow leads marathon and half marathon and of course Rob's incredible parents Jeff and Irene being at every event they could to support their son then there was his best friend his team captain the man we all affectionately call Sev if you can make that work Lindsay that would be great thank you um and his Kevin simfield and his magnificent fundraising team have demonstrated the true power of friendship and have raised over three million pounds towards the center through their three epic challenges with a fourth planned in December and where Kevin LED others followed inspired by their friendship and Rob's story we saw fundraisers up and down the country begin to support the appeal each had their own inspirational story from Ian flat here today um successfully scaling Seven Mountains recently to Katy daon covering hundreds of miles in memory of her dad Warren to the leads rhinos and the Rhinos foundation for their unceasing support again demonstrating the value of teamwork and being a mate there when you building the center was Rob's dream and last month on the 3rd of June Le than three years on from the launch of the appeal I attended the groundbreaking event at coft hospital it was truly a Bittersweet day as we know Rob should have been there with his family to witness and celebrate this Milestone but sadly he died just a day earlier Rob's family honored his last wishes for the event to go ahead attending themselves and demonstrating Incredible strength and courage at one of the saddest and most vulnerable moments in their lives clearly bravery is a gene that runs very deeply through that family this time next year we'll see the opening of the center's door it was never about his name above the entrance for Rob it was about the huge difference it would make to people living with MD M andd their families and the dedicated staff caring for them the center will create a lasting Legacy for Rob and the whole M andd community and leads and Beyond a place where patients and their families can receive the best care in the best environment delivered by the best team some of whom are here today it's truly transformed awareness and conversations around M andd and having brought a community together has taught us all the importance of living in the now and making every moment truly count his life has changed and will continue to change others for the better your legacy and that of your incredible family will'll live on thank you Rob I just want to thank everyone for um attending today and I think uh Jamie said it best in what are all we going to do to take Rob's Legacy forward thank you the life and achievements of rugby league Legend and motor neurone disease M andd campaigner Rob burrow were celebrated at a heartfelt Civic reception in Leeds Rob's family joined the reception at Leeds Civic Hall with about 180 guests while thousands more watched on the Leeds Rhino's YouTube channel Lindsay burrow said it was a Bittersweet day sharing I know how proud Rob would have been to be here but I am sure he's with us in spirit the to hear all the tributes and the impact he's had on the city of Leeds rugby league and the M andd Community was just really heartwarming Rob's mother Irene remarked on the Family's recent hardships following Rob's death and funeral stating we are here for Rob today and so proud of him we just have to be strong for Rob it's Rob living through US speakers at the event included the Speaker of the House of Commons sir Lindsey Hoy the Lord mayor of leed's count Abigail Marshall katong Rhino's board member and Rob's former teammate Jamie Jones banan M andd Association chief executive Tanya Curry and leader of lead city council C James Lewis Rob burrow was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2019 two years after retiring from the sport he passed away at pinderfields hospital from complications of M andd on the 2nd of June 24 at the age of 41 his funeral was a private service at ponr crematorium attended by 161 invited guests including family friends and his closest pal and fellow M andd fundraiser Kevin sinfield we send our deepest condolences to Rob's family and ask everyone to keep them in their prayers May Rob's soul rest in Eternal peace