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
Salford Red Devils have officially gone bust after more than 152 years
Danny Jones
After more than a century and a half as one of the biggest and most well-supported rugby league teams in the country, Salford Red Devils have unfortunately been liquidated.
It’s a very, very sad day for the Super League and UK rugby at large.
Salford Red Devils had been flirting with insolvency and complete collapse for far too long, and even with the promise of investment following what has now proved to be a fruitless takeover back in February, the local sporting institution has now been folded.
Issuing an update to the fans on Wednesday, 3 December, what remains of the organisation shared an official statement online confirming the news, along with a picture of the crest blacked out.
They wrote the following: “We regret to inform stakeholders, supporters and partners that Salford Red Devils and its operating company, Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, have been subject to a winding-up petition filed by HMRC, and liquidation proceedings have now commenced.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and the uncertainty this creates for everyone connected with the club. For the original club staff who remained up until this point, this is an incredibly emotional moment.
“Whilst there is sadness in seeing things come to this point, there is also a sense of relief that an extremely challenging period for the club has finally come to an end. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all the fans who have stood by us through everything.
“Your passion and loyalty have meant the world to us. More than anything, we hope that the club’s proud name and history can live on and continue to represent the people of Salford.”
Reacting to the dreaded but not unexpected news on social media, vocal fan group The 1873 – who have been both outspoken, militant and dedicated in their protesting of the ownership group – added: “You tried to destroy something that was not yours to destroy – but today you have been defeated.
“Salford Rugby League will rise again, and the rebirth will be beautiful. The 1873.” While they chose to lean towards optimism where possible and belief in a fresh start, many more are undoubtedly still busy mourning the 152-year-old family as they know it.
Salford Red Devils were liquidated today after 152 years. The original Red Devils. Beyond heartbroken. If the club is reborn I'll throw my heart and soul into it. pic.twitter.com/6IvUNklNWJ
The local outfit where given a reprieve regarding their winding-up petition over unpaid debt, not once but four different times, over the past few months.
Financial worries had been lingering plenty before this, of course, with concerns being raised well over a year ago, with bridging loans and players ultimately having to be borrowed from other teams in the division, before various members of staff eventually were let go and/or walked out.
Having been officially relegated from the premier British rugby league competition in October (which also accompanied their IMG grading being dropped), to some, it felt like only a matter of time before this outcome would eventually arrive.
Nevertheless, some are still holding out hope that phoenix – or devil, rather – can rise from the embers and that Salford Red Devils will return in some form under a new regime. One can only hope.
Salfordians – what do you think needs to change if the club comes back?
Glossop Market Hall – Incredible new food hall and market space opens on the edge of the Peak District
Daisy Jackson
Glossop Market Hall has officially reopened its doors, and it’s a shining example of how to breathe life back into heritage marketplaces like this.
The market hall has undergone a major regeneration project to restore this landmark in the town, and is now home to a modern food hall as well as independent retail spaces.
It’s hoped that this impressive new space will once again act after the ‘heartbeat of the town’.
While the landmark building has a fresh design, the plan is to keep it proudly local, filled with local and regional traders from the beer taps to the burgers to the book vending machine (you heard – a book vending machine).
The regeneration of Glossop Market Hall has created more than 60 new jobs for the area and boasts an impressive array of food, drink, and retail across three different indoor zones and the outdoor market.
The bar inside has independent local breweries on tap, while gin comes from the Glossop Distillery (from the team behind Forest Gin).
As for the food offering, you’ll find wagyu burgers from Wagyu Lookin At?, double-dunked fried chicken from Pattersons, and hand-stretched pizzas from Pizza Dealers, as well as artisan gelato from Baci Di Gelato and Greek street food from Kefi Social.
Familiar names from Manchester have moved into Glossop Market Hall too – look out for Bold Street Coffee and Hello Oriental inside.
As for the retail spaces, there’s a bottle shop, a florists, an Asian grocery store, vintage clothing, a dog general store, and a delicatessen.
And as a unique addition, Derbyshire’s first public book vending machine has moved in, with 16 rotating titles chosen by the historic Dark Peak Books & Gifts.
There’s a dedicated children’s area that honours the work of illustrator and author John Vernon Lord, plus a huge new events and wedding space available for hire.
Some of the food on offer in Glossop Market Hall
Food traders inside Glossop Market Hall include Hello Oriental
Bold Street Coffee
Richard Walker, managing director of The Hospitality Collective, said: “We know the local community has been patiently waiting for this moment, and we have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible engagement from such exciting local brands who wanted to be involved in the hall.
“It is a moment of immense pride for us to be able to finally launch the Market Hall, and we are so excited for the future of this venue as a destination the whole town can be proud of.”
Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be opening the doors on this High Peak Borough Council‑delivered, multi‑million pound transformation of Glossop’s Market Hall, Arcade and Town Hall.
“This is the biggest regeneration project in decades, a true passion project that breathes new life into the very heart of our town. What’s most exciting is that we can now share it with the community – a space that celebrates our heritage, supports local entrepreneurs and creates a destination Glossop can be proud of for generations to come.
The incredible space at Glossop Market Hall
“From the outset, our vision has been to give local businesses and independent makers the platform they deserve, while building a vibrant hub that showcases the very best in food, drink and retail curated by our operator, The Hospitality Collective. Glossop Market Hall is set to thrive once again – a real gift to the town and the perfect way to kick off the festive season.”
The Food Hall at Glossop Market Hall
Wagyu Lookin’ At?: Legendary wagyu burgers and loaded fries .
Pattersons: Famous for their brined, seasoned, and double-dunked fried chicken .
Bold Street Coffee: The Liverpool and Manchester institution pouring award-winning coffee .
Pizza Dealers: Hand-stretched, slow-fermented dough without pretence .
Kefi Social: Greek street food featuring fresh gyros and souvlaki .
Hello Oriental: Authentic East Asian street food .
Baci Di Gelato: Delicious artisanal gelato .
The Arcade at Glossop Food Hall
The Bottle Store: Curated small-batch spirits and liqueurs .
Norris Master Florists: Award-winning floristry and seasonal wreaths .
Hello Oriental Grocery Store: A one-stop shop for Asian ingredients and bubble tea .
Moda Vintage: Sustainable vintage sportswear from the 80s, 90s, and 00s .
B&V Doggo General Store: Serving the community’s dogs with a curated range of goods.
Gypset and the Rainbow: Vintage eclectic items and small-batch productions.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd June 2024 
