'Dignity & spirit': tribute to Geoff Burrow, dad of Leeds Rhinos icon, MND campaigner and trade union stalwart
Less than two years after Rob Burrow’s death, the Leeds Rhinos icon’s family are today having to come to terms with another devastating loss.
Geoff Burrow, who has died after what Rhinos described as a “period of ill health”, inspired Rob’s love of rugby league, believed in his son’s talent when others had doubts and, ultimately, was the reason why a Castleford kid became a legend at Leeds.
Born in the city, Geoff was a lifelong fan of the Rhinos and passed that love to his son. It was Geoff who took Rob to his first Leeds game as a young boy and, from that moment on, there was never any doubt over which club the talented scrum-half would choose when it came to his professional career.
It was in Geoff’s nature to help others; as a stalwart of the GMB union, he spent a career being - as Rhinos put it - “a champion for those who did not have a voice”. His determination was passed down to his son and stood Rob in good stead when many in the sport said he was simply too small to make it as a player in the paid ranks.
That inspirational support didn’t waver when Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019. Geoff was a good man to have in your corner and became an indefatigable campaigner on behalf of those living with the terminal illness.
MND is the cruellest of conditions, progressively robbing sufferers of their mobility and speech. To see a loved one go through that is unimaginable and, as with all Rob’s nearest and dearest, it must have taken its toll on Geoff, but he tackled it head on, throwing himself into the cause of raising awareness and funds for the MND community.
One day a cure will be found and Geoff - and all the Burrows - will have played a part in that. He was at his son’s side throughout Rob’s illness and handled the media and public attention which followed with dignity and spirit.
Rob’s defiance in the face of a terrible condition inspired the nation. Geoff’s loss so soon afterwards is a horrible blow for his wife Irene, daughters Claire and Joanne, Rob’s widow Lindsey and the couple’s children Jackson, Maya and Macy.
Love and support goes out to them from everyone in West Yorkshire and beyond and hopefully that will provide some comfort.