Britain’s Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell paid tribute to Rob Burrow after his performance during Sunday night’s live final.
The primary teacher from Leeds, who has autism and Tourette’s, gave an incredible comedy routine and after had some powerful words for Rob’s family.
Inspirational former rugby star and motor neurone disease sufferer Rob tragically died at the age of 41, it was announced on Sunday night.
He passed away at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home surrounded by his family after becoming ill earlier in the week.
The rugby player was diagnosed with the disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career.
Britain’s Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell paid tribute to Rob Burrow after his performance during Sunday night’s live final
The primary teacher from Leeds, who has autism and Tourette’s, gave an incredible comedy routine and after had some powerful words for Rob’s family
After his performance Rob said: ‘An hour ago before I came on stage I got some sad news.
‘To the family of Rob Burrow – he is a hero and I hope you know how much we love him here tonight, and for him advocating for disability rights is so important.’
The audience and judges Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden were then seen clapping in agreement.
Burrow, a fan favourite, won eight Super League titles with Leeds but after being diagnosed with the illness, he dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community.
He did so with the support of former Leeds teammate Kevin Sinfield.
Heart-wrenching tributes have tonight poured in for the ‘hero’ who ‘never allowed others to define what he could achieve’.
A statement on behalf of his family said he continues to ‘inspire us all every day,’ adding that ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’
Broadcaster Dan Walker posted on X to ‘send all my love’ to the grieving family and said the rugby legend ‘taught us all so much’ with his ‘continued determination and desire to make a difference for others’.
Presenter and ex-footballer Chris Kamara posted: ‘What a trooper Rob was. He fought a real battle with MND.
Inspirational former rugby star and motor neurone disease sufferer Rob tragically died at the age of 41, it was announced on Sunday night
After his performance Rob said: ‘An hour ago before I came on stage I got some sad news’
He added: ‘To the family of Rob Burrow – he is a hero and I hope you know how much we love him here tonight, and for him advocating for disability rights is so important’
‘Rob raised awareness and funds, despite his condition, for other people to benefit from. The impact he leaves will be long lasting. RIP Rob what a hero.’
Paying tribute today. the MND Association said: ‘Our thoughts today are with Rob’s wife Lindsey, children Macy, Maya and Jackson, family and friends and the rugby community.
‘Rob, who played at number 7 for Leeds Rhinos, lived with this brutal disease in the public eye after choosing to announce his diagnosis shortly before Christmas 2019.
‘He used every opportunity to raise awareness of the disease, speaking publicly, undertaking media interviews and opening his life up in two moving BBC documentaries My Year With MND and Rob Burrow: Living With MND.’
The charity called the rugby star a ‘consistent and passionate advocate’ in the touching statement.
A GoFundMe set up in his honour has reached an incredible £120,308 in donations – with the top being a generous £4,823.
The team fundraiser paid tribute to the ‘fearless and respected’ player who was a ‘tough competitor on the field’ and ‘gave his all for the team’.v
A statement posted on behalf of his family read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.
‘Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life, whether that was on the Rugby league field or during his battle with MND.
‘He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
‘The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and a half years meant so much to Rob.
‘In particular, the Rugby League Family and the MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.’
They concluded the touching tribute by saying: ‘He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’
The Leeds Rhinos expressed their ‘deep sadness’ at the news for their brave former team mate.
The rugby legend spent his entire club career with Leeds and made more than 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017.
The audience and judges Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden were then seen clapping in agreement
Rob with his wife Lindsey after he was made an MBE by the Princess Royal in 2022
Burrow was capped 15 times by England and played five Tests for Great Britain, but he was best known as part of the team that won the Super League in 2004.
It ended the club’s 32-year wait for a title, and he was then named Man of the Match in the Rhinos’ 2007 and 2011 achievements.
The team’s touching tribute tonight said: ‘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 Pinderfield’s 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.’
