Crowds pay respects to Rob Burrow on funeral route for Leeds Rhinos star and MND campaigner

Summary

Members of the public lined the route ahead of the funeral of Leeds Rhinos legend and MND campaigner Rob Burrow
The private funeral service is taking place on 7 July in honour of Burrow's number 7 playing shirt
Burrow's former teammate, friend and fundraising companion Kevin Sinfield is among the mourners, having flown back from England's rugby union Test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand
Next Friday, Leeds City Council and the Lord Mayor of Leeds are hosting a civic reception in honour of Burrow

Public line route ahead of Rob Burrow funeral

Live Reporting

Edited by Alex Moss & Chris Attridge

Thank you for joining uspublished at 14:50 7 July
Image source, PA Media
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A private service attended by 161 guests is being held at Pontefract Crematorium
Our live coverage of the day has now drawn to a close - thank you for joining us as we followed events leading to the funeral of rugby league legend and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner Rob Burrow.
You can read more about the service and those who attended here.
The former Leeds Rhinos star died on 2 June at the age of 41, having spent his final years raising awareness and millions of pounds for research into the degenerative condition.
Hundreds of people lined the route as Burrow, accompanied by his family, made his final journey to Pontefract Crematorium, where a private service is being held.
Next Friday, Leeds City Council and the Lord Mayor of Leeds are hosting a civic reception in honour of Burrow.
Cortege arrives at crematorium for private servicepublished at 14:40 7 July
After passing through hundreds of mourners along the public route, the funeral cortege carrying Rob Burrow and his family has arrived at Pontefract Crematorium
Leeds Rhinos says 161 people are attending the service, which is for invited guests only.
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The cortege has completed the public route and arrived at Pontefract Crematorium
Emotional scenes at Featherstone Lions groundpublished at 14:28 7 July
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
There were emotional scenes in Featherstone as Rob Burrow's funeral cortege passed through, with fans of all ages paying their respects.
The cars slowed at the Featherstone Lions ground on Wakefield Road, where Burrow started his rugby journey as a boy.
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
Burrow was 'big in heart and ability' - Rhinos chiefpublished at 14:12 7 July
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Chief executive of Leeds Rhinos, Gary Hetherington, is among mourners at the private service
Speaking ahead of the funeral service, Gary Hetherington, chief executive of Leeds Rhinos, said in the early stage of Burrow's rugby career, the player doubted his ability because of his height.
He said: “He did prove himself big enough… he was big in heart, spirit determination and ability. An iconic sportsman.”
Image source, PA Media
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At 5ft 5in (165 cm) tall, he was known as one of the smallest players in Super League
A celebration of a rugby legendpublished at 14:00 7 July
Oli Constable
BBC News
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
Image caption,
People have gathered to celebrate the life of "a legend"
A celebration - that’s what people here have been telling me what today is all about.
There’ll be sadness and no doubt tears, but many gathering here at Featherstone Lions - where Burrow started his journey as a young boy - are here to pay their respects to a “legend”.
Outside the ground is packed, with people spilling onto the street.
Rugby shirts from across the country are represented, showing the support the sporting family has for Burrow.
Crowds 'clap and cry at the same time'published at 13:53 7 July
Peg Alexander
Reporter, BBC News
Image source, BBC/Phil Bodmer
Image caption,
Crowds clapped as the funeral cortege passed
Rob Burrow started his final journey in Castleford. People lined Park Road, many wearing rugby league shirts, not just Leeds Rhinos but many other teams.
As Rob passed, with flowers spelling bro and son, everyone clapped. And many cried seemingly at the same time.
Image source, BBC/Phil Bodmer
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Fans were able to place flowers on the windscreen of the car carrying Rob
Hundreds pay respects along funeral routepublished at 13:42 7 July
Image source, PA Media
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Hundreds of people lined the route as the cortege passed by
When plans for Burrow's funeral were announced, members of the public were invited to line the route of his final journey.
That call for participation has certainly been met.
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
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Teams gather for the funeral of the rugby hero
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
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Mourners can been seen for miles around
Roads around the funeral route are packed with hundreds of people turning out to pay their respects.
There are fans, many wearing rugby shirts bearing Burrow's name and number seven on the back, alongside both young and old waiting for the cortege to pass.
Image source, PA
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A yellow banner with the words 'Rob Burrow 7 Over and Out' also lines the route
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
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Pets were among the crowds displaying tributes to the rugby star
Crowd applauds as cortege passes bypublished at 13:35 7 July
Media caption,
The private funeral service is taking place on 7 July in honour of Burrow's playing shirt.
'Inspired so many people'published at 13:31 7 July
Image source, BBC/Adam Laver
Julie Broadhead, 64, says she is “very proud of Rob” and of “what he achieved as a player as well as an MND sufferer”.
She describes Burrow as as a “very dynamic, creative, explosive player”.
He “could make anything happen” and “scored some amazing tries and just a fantastic player”.
She adds: “I think it just goes to show that as a player he was always said to be too small but he achieved great things because he persevered.
“He probably did the same during his MND journey.
“He just inspired so many people to carry on and do the best you can and fight for other people.”
Michelle Moverley, 61, says: “We’re here to show our respects and obviously we’re very keen Rhinos fans and we followed Rob throughout his career.
“And we want to support the MND community.
“I’m hoping that I can do that later this year when I’m doing the Great North Run.”
She adds: “From the start of his career with Leeds, we’ve been there.”
“And you always heard that he was the joker in the pack and brought some amusement to the crowds and the game itself.”
She says: “He’s been an inspiration to anyone who wants to pick up rugby league and proving that in adversity you can do lots of things and make a career out for yourself and dedicate what you’re doing for the future.”
'Sombre and emotional'published at 13:22 7 July
Image source, PA Media
The BBC's Olivia Richwald joins crowds gathered on Park Road in Castleford.
Here on Park Road, adjacent to the Junction 32 shopping centre, people started gathering from before midday.
Many are wearing Rhinos and Castleford shirts.
People we have spoken to have come from as far afield as London, Wigan and the Wirral.
One young rugby fan says she was inspired to play because of Rob Burrow - “I’m only small and so was he.”
The mood is sombre and emotional, fans are holding yellow roses and mobile phones to capture the moment they say a final goodbye to one of their heroes.
A man who was as much ab inspiration on the field as he was off it.
Kevin Sinfield and his wife Jayne arrive at crematoriumpublished at 13:16 7 July
$Best friend Kevin Sinfield arrives with his wife Jayne at Pontefract Crematorium$ Image source, PA Media
Burrow's best friend and fellow MND fundraiser Kevin Sinfield has arrived for the private service in Pontefract.
Sinfield has travelled from New Zealand where he is currently based with the England men's rugby union squad in his role as defence coach.
Image source, PA Media
He has been granted compassionate leave by England head coach Steve Borthwick to spend 48 hours in the UK for his former teammate's funeral.
Sinfield and Burrow raised millions together for charity to raise awareness and fund research into MND.
Speaking after Rob's death last month, Sinfield said: "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."
'He's brought the community together'published at 13:08 7 July
Image source, BBC/Olivia Richwald
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Julie and Katelyn Cartwright came to watch the cortege
Julie and Katelyn Cartwright live locally in Castleford and came to watch the cortege pass by.
Katelyn says: “I’m a rugby league fan, I want to pay my respects.
"I have supported people with MND in the past. With all his troubles he managed to support the MND association.”
Julie adds: “I support Castleford. Rob is a star, he’s been so strong for his family.
"He's brought the community together and been so strong for Castleford. It’s a sad day but there are happy memories.”
Five cars to lead funeral procession along public routepublished at 12:59 7 July
Image source, PA Media
Image caption,
Rob Burrow and wife Lindsey
There will be five cars in the funeral cortege as it passes along the route towards Pontefract Crematorium.
The hearse will be followed by the rugby legend's wife Lindsey, who will be alongside the couple's three children Macy, Maya and Jackson and Rob's parents Geoff and Irene.
Image source, Burrow family handout
Image caption,
Rob Burrow's diagnosis came two years after he retired from playing rugby league
In the other cars there will be Rob's sisters Joanne Hartshorne and Claire Burnett, and Lindsey's parents and brother.
Leeds Rhinos said there would 161 guests at the private service.
Rhinos fan decorates house with Burrow shirtspublished at 12:55 7 July
Image source, Adam Laver/BBC
Leeds Rhinos season ticket holder Stephen Hambleton, who lives on the funeral cortege route in Castleford, displayed the shirts Burrow played in on his house.
Mr Hambleton, 64, says Burrow is “missed” and describes him as “a proper dynamo” in his playing days.
“I hope his legacy goes on forever, especially with his MND contributions,” Mr Hambleton says.
“He just brought so much awareness to it and this is me saying thank you to him.
“The money that’s been raised is going to make a difference. This Rob Burrow centre at Leeds is going to make a difference.
“Hopefully very soon they’re going to find a cure for this because it’s terrible. How quick Rob went through that is awful and he kept fighting all the way.
“It’s an inspiration to other people to never give in. You can always carry on and do something.
“He did it and fought right to the end.”
'Really affected by Rob’s story'published at 12:42 7 July
Image source, BBC/Olivia Richwald
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Craig Whiteley and Sharron Rooney
Sharron Rooney travelled up from London to pay her respects.
She says: “I’m not a rugby fan but I am from Bradford. I’ve been really affected by Rob’s MND story.
"I’ve done both Leeds marathons, said I wouldn’t do it again but I’ve already signed up.
"Rob's story is heartbreaking and my heart goes out to Lindsey and Kevin Sinfield.”
She is joined by Craig Whiteley from Morley, who says: “I came for the Rhino family and because I took part in the Rob Burrow Marathon. Kevin Sinfield beat me.
"I’ve come to show my respects.”
Rugby fan travels from Widnes to honour "absolute icon"published at 12:36 7 July
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
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Trevor James says he has recently lost his wife and understands how the Burrow family feel
Trevor James has travelled from Widnes to pay tribute to "an absolute icon both on the field and off".
The 65-year-old says: "The man just got on with it. He worked tirelessly and raised a lot of money for the MND cause.
"What a guy. What an absolute guy. What a legend."
'We want to honour a legend'published at 12:35 7 July
Mandy and Robert Cantrell, from Killingbeck, say they are attending to "honour a legend".
Mrs Cantrell adds: “They couldn’t have picked a better day - the 7th of the 7th. He’s a king amongst kings and he’s going to be up there.”
Image source, Olivia Richwald/BBC
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Mandy and Robert Cantrell
Fans pay their respects to "gentleman and fine bloke"published at 12:29 7 July
Image source, Oli Constable/BBC
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Fans have been speaking about the impact Burrow had on them
Life-long Leeds Rhinos fan John Germaine says no-one will go down in history like Rob Burrow.
The 79-year-old, who has come to pay his respects along with his 14-year-old grandson, describes the rugby league star as a "gentleman and a fine bloke".
His grandson Charlie, 14, says he went to his first Leeds Rhinos match as a baby and has followed them ever since.
Although he never got to see Burrow play, the teenager says he has watched many of his games and that made him feel like he was seeing him in person.
Speaking about his diagnosis with MND, Charlie says: "Instead of sitting there feeling sorry for himself he got out and did stuff for the MND community.
"He was the most selfless man. He was an inspiration to us all."
Fans sign book of condolence ahead of funeralpublished at 12:18 7 July
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
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People gather to sign a book of condolence at Featherstone Lions in Pontefract, where Rob Burrow learned to play rugby, ahead of his funeral
Image source, BBC/Oli Constable
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Book of condolence at Featherstone Lions
Rob's final message: 'Don't waste a moment'published at 12:11 7 July
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The speech was recorded for BBC documentary There’s Only One Rob Burrow
"My final message to you is whatever your personal battle be brave and face it."
These were the last words of Rob Burrow which were captured in a specially-recorded message, which the former Leeds Rhinos star asked to be shared after his death.
In it, he urged people not to waste a moment and expressed his hope for a world one day free of motor neurone disease.
As he approached the end of his life, he described himself as "just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream".
The message ended: "In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream.
"Rob Burrow, over and out."