Heroic Kevin Sinfield has lead the tributes that are pouring in for rugby league great Rob Burrow, after his death from MND at just 41 years old.
Rob passed away peacefully with his young family by his side on Sunday, following a four-and-a-half-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Since the news broke, tributes to the sporting legend and MND ambassador have poured in, The Hoot reports.
Since his diagnosis, Rob Burrow has done so much to raise awareness and vital funding for the cruel disease, often with the help of his friend Kevin Sinfield – together, the pair have inspired more than £20 million in fundraising.
And theirs was a friendship for the history books.
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Kevin has now shared a tribute to his ‘little mate’, writing that ‘the world has lost a great man’.
In his tribute, shared by Leeds Rhinos, he sent his love to Rob’s family (the sporting legend leaves behind wife Lindsey, two daughters and a son) and praised Rob’s bravery.
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Kevin’s moving tribute says: “Today was the day that I hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so so many. You fought so bravely until the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for the MND community but for all those who saw and heard your story.
“My love and thoughts go to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya, and Jackson, to your lovely parents Geoff & Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your wider family and friends.
Floral tributes to Rob Burrow are already piling up at Headingley Stadium. Credit: Leeds Rhinos
“You will continue to inspire me every single day. I have lost a dear friend and I will never forget the special times we shared both on and off the pitch. I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.
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“The last 4 and a half years you showed the world what living and loving looked like and this was always done with the biggest smile on your face.
“I will miss you my little mate. All my love, Kev x.”
Rob Burrow passed away peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital with his family by his side.
Fans are invited to pay their respects to Rob in the South Stand at his beloved Headingley Stadium, with the gates open from Sunday evening for visitors and floral tributes already mounting up.
Leeds Rhinos’ tribute to Rob Burrow CBE
Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow has passed away at the age of 41
It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
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Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019. He passed away peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.
Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation. A hard working and dedicated player, his fearless performances made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks.
Rob rose through the club’s Academy ranks to make his debut in 2001. In 2004, he was part of the Leeds team that ended a 32-year wait to win the Championship with victory in the Grand Final. It was the first of eight Grand Final wins for Burrow including winning the Man of the Match award in the 2007 and 2011 Old Trafford showpieces. The 2011 game included his breathtaking try that is still regarded as the greatest Grand Final try ever scored.
In total he made 492 appearances for the club, placing him in fifth in the club’s all-time list of career appearances. He scored 196 tries for a total of 1,103 points. He was capped 15 times by England and played five more tests for Great Britain including a Man of the Series performance in 2007 for the national side. He won the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2014 and 2015 as well as three World Club Challenges and three League Leaders Shields.
Following his MND diagnosis in December 2019, Burrow and his family took the decision to open their doors to show the impact of the disease and raise awareness and funds for the MND community. Since then Burrow has inspired two award winning documentaries, wrote a best selling autobiography, hosted an award winning podcast and was awarded a CBE from HRH Prince William at AMT Headingley in January 2023.
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Along with his friend and former team mate Kevin Sinfield, Burrow has inspired nearly £20 million in fundraising across the UK and Ireland. This has included raising over £6 million to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds as a lasting legacy for those who follow him in their own personal battles with the disease.
On behalf of the Burrow family, we would like to thank the staff at Pinderfields Hospital for their compassion and caring for Rob in his final days. Fittingly, as a tribute to the incredible work done by Rob, the groundbreaking of the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital on Monday will go ahead as planned at Rob’s request. At this time, we would ask that everyone respect the privacy of the Burrow family.
Well wishers who wish to pay their respects to Rob can do so in the South Stand at Rob’s beloved Headingley Stadium, with the gates open from Sunday evening for visitors to come.
How to support Rob Burrows’ family or MND
If you would like to support Rob’s family directly, you can do so here
If you would like to support the MND Association, whom Rob was Patron of, you can do so on Rob’s Fightback Fund page
If you would like to support the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND you can do so here
Featured image: MND Association
News
Plans for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have been green-lit
Danny Jones
Proposals for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have officially been approved, with the overall regeneration plans valued somewhere in the region of £500 million.
The Greater Manchester town has long been accused of being neglected by local authorities and investors, but now natives and those living in and around the area are being asked to consult on what has the potential to be a huge transformation.
Wythenshawe town centre could look almost unrecognisable should everything go according to plan, not to mention inject a much-needed boost to the arts and creative industries in the area.
Put simply, this could be huge for a place long overlooked and deserving of some TLC.
Credit: Manchester City Council
The simply titled ‘Culture Hub’ will aim to create a new community outlet and environment for everyone to enjoy, allowing them access to professional facilities and support, as well as further tap into that vital grassroots culture and creativity.
While the UK government has a total of £4.8bn set aside for infrastructure and regional disparity works that fall under the initiative, the Culture Hub was set to cost £20m back then, though Wythenshawe is looking for an estimated half a billion to upgrade their town centre.
As per an official press release, the hub is set to sit within Civic – Wythy’s much-loved shopping complex – and will include space for food and drink on the ground floor, as well as a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes or local events on the first floor.
The Council itself is set to contribute a further £11.9m, as they hope to back future plans for a bustling new food hall spilling out onto an updated public square, with new workspaces for independent start-ups and growing Manc businesses.
Credit: MCC
Meanwhile, a new 200-seater performance space will be created on the second floor, “providing a backdrop for a diverse range of performances, whether it’s dance or drama, music or modern art, there’ll be something for everyone.”
As touched upon, a larger public square will also be included, with improved outdoor areas, new paving and, crucially, more trees, plants and green spaces to make the town centre a much more natural, vibrant and welcoming space.
Private construction company Muse was appointed as the development partner for the new cultural hub and further Wythenshawe town centre regeneration initiative back in August 2024; as a local firm, they have a heavily vested interest in the 30,000 sq ft site and the surrounding area.
Work on the Culture Hub is due to commence this autumn, with the opening scheduled for some time in early 2027 – touch wood.
Credit: Manchester City Council (MCC)
Councillor Gavin White, who serves as an executive member on Manchester City Council’s executive housing and development team, said:“The Culture Hub planning approval is a really exciting milestone in the long-term regeneration of Civic.
“This is a statement of intent of how serious we are about investing in Wythenshawe’s town centre – and this is an early sign of what is to come. We want to build on the destination potential of Civic, create opportunities for local people and visitors to spend time in the area, and widen the offer for our residents to enjoy and participate in the arts right on their doorstep.
“High streets are the soul of our communities and we are investing heavily in our town centres across the city, including Gorton and Moston, to celebrate how they bring people together, support businesses and help grow local economies.
“This is just the start for Wythenshawe, and the conversation we are having with local people is ongoing to make sure we can be guided by the very people who live and work in this community. I’d urge as many people as possible to tell us what they think about the future of their area.”
Joe Stockton, senior development manager at Muse, added:“Getting the green light for the new Culture Hub is a major milestone in our once-in-a-generation plans to work with local people to transform Wythenshawe town centre.
“The feedback that we’ve received so far for the hub has been really positive with many seeing it as a creative space where people and groups of all ages can spend time, learn new skills and explore culture in a positive way.”
“We look forward to getting started on construction later this year, which we hope the people of Wythenshawe will see as a significant sign of our intent to drive this project forward with their ongoing support.”
Featured Images — CGIs via Manchester City Council
News
Medlock Canteen confirms gutting closure after just 18 months
Danny Jones
Relative Manchester newcomer and city centre gem, Medlock Canteen, has announced that the business has now closed, sharing a lengthy statement on their social media.
The Deansgate Square favourite, which looked tipped to be one of the founding members of the emerging New Jackson foodie district, has sadly confirmed its immediate closure, with all existing bookings being unfortunately cancelled.
Medlock only opened back in March of 2024 and left a big impression on its many diners during that time, but sadly, the ever-present pressures of the hospitality industry don’t discriminate.
Writing on Instagram, the restaurant said: “With heavy hearts, we’re announcing the closure of Medlock Canteen. When we opened our doors 18 months ago, our dream was simple: to build a neighbourhood spot where everyone felt welcome, serving proper good food you know, love and can’t wait to eat.
“But the current climate has made that dream a tough one to sustain. Rising costs, increased taxes, and tighter spending have created challenges we’ve fought hard to overcome but, sadly, they’re ones we just can’t compete with.
“We’re proud to say our amazing team has been looked after, with payroll up to date and everyone offered roles elsewhere in our family of venues. If you’ve got opportunities going, drop us a message – we’d love to pass them on to anyone ready for their next chapter.”
Owned by the same group behind Belzan in Liverpool and Manchester’s Madre over in Kampus, the team led by co-owner Owain Williams has offered replacement reservations at their other venues by way of an apology to their loyal customers.
It was only back in April last year that renowned food writer Jay Rayner described it as “special” and dubbed the admittedly swankly skyscraper location a “welcome haven for all.”
Couldn’t agree more. Few could’ve seen Medlock Canteen closing barely a year on from such a glowing write-up.
They signed off by adding: “To everyone who dined, left us a rave review, shared a laugh, or came back for seconds: thank you.
“You made this little place feel truly special. And yes, we promise, one day, somehow, we’ll get that rhubarb pie back to you!”
We’ve lost another impressive little spot far too soon, but we’ll always have the unbelievable scran, and it goes without saying that while Medlock Canteen may have closed, there’ll still be plenty of continued support for the likes of Madre and its sibling down the Mersey.
Fingers crossed we get a comeback one day, but until then, let’s just stop and appreciate how stunning their food truly was.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd June 2024 
