The Leeds Rhinos announced the death of Geoff Burrow, stating he passed away on Monday 30th March. Geoff Burrow was a tireless campaigner for the MND community following his son Rob Burrow's diagnosis in December 2019, dedicating himself to raising awareness and supporting those affected by the condition. According to the Leeds Rhinos, Geoff Burrow brought Rob to his first ever game at Headingley and started his love of the Leeds Rhinos, a passion that would shape Rob's future career. He also assisted in caring for Rob Burrow and his children so that Rob's wife Lindsey could continue working as an NHS physiotherapist, providing crucial family support during a challenging time.
Geoff Burrow was a trade union representative, a role that reflected his commitment to advocacy and community service throughout his life. The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease was established at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds, a facility dedicated to improving care and research for MND patients. The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease cost £6.8 million, funded through donations and fundraising efforts inspired by the Burrow family's advocacy.
It is with deep sadness that the club has learned of the passing on Monday 30 th March of Geoff Burrow, the father of Rob Burrow, after a period of ill health. 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. The club would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Geoff's 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.
Reactions and tributes have poured in from the rugby community, with Warrington Wolves sending love and support to the Burrow family in tribute to Geoff Burrow. Other clubs and figures in rugby league have also expressed condolences, highlighting Geoff's impact as a father, campaigner, and supporter of the sport.
Thanks to all the people who raised money. It's not just for MND sufferers and their families, but for all the staff. The staff are marvellous, they're angels.
We made sure he ended his journey on his conditions, we didn't want any suffering...it was very peaceful. He was in hospital. He smiled, we got sad and he gave us the look, you know 'pack it in smile' and what have you and we did our best.