Prince William opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds on Thursday, fulfilling a promise he made to the late rugby league star before his death last year. The Prince of Wales met Burrow's wife Lindsey and their three children – Macy, Maya and Jackson – at the UK's first purpose-built facility dedicated entirely to MND care, research and support.
William told the children they should be "so proud of your father because he really was an incredibly brave and very special man". The royal visitor praised the £6.8 million fundraising campaign that made the center possible, highlighting the efforts of Burrow's former teammate Kevin Sinfield, who raised over 40 percent of the total.
'MND finally on the map'
Speaking at the event, William recalled their first meeting in January 2024. "Having met the family and Kevin and Rob in January 2024 for the first time in a very sweaty, smelly Leeds rugby changing room it's been my pleasure to get to know them and follow their journey," he said.
The Prince emphasized the center's significance: "And, frankly, we're stood in one of the most incredible buildings, that's been fundraised and supported by a few individuals who've gone above and beyond to make MND finally on the map." He added: "I'm honoured to be here today and see it up and running in just over a year."
William praised Sinfield's extraordinary commitment. "His knees and his hips have taken a battering but he's raised over 40% of this fundraising total, which is incredible. I just can't commend enough people who have put this together," he said.
Legacy of courage
Addressing the Burrow family directly, William said: "I think Rob's legacy will live on. And this is a world-leading centre that's going to save a lot of lives. For that you shall all be very proud. And everyone is very grateful for letting us in on your family life and understanding what you've been managing together."
Burrow's son Jackson rang the bell that has heralded all of Sinfield's epic fundraising challenges, as William unveiled a plaque to mark the opening. The former Leeds Rhinos star died in June 2024 at age 41, following a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND.
Promise fulfilled
The center was built less than 18 months after Burrow's death. William had presented Burrow with a CBE at Headingley Stadium in January 2024, alongside Sinfield. During that ceremony, the father-of-three asked the Prince if he would open the center when it was built.
The facility has been designed around Burrow's determination to create a place that treats patients as people, not conditions, placing them and their families at its heart. Those behind it hope similar units will follow around the country.
William also toured the center with Dr. Agam Jung, Burrow's consultant who co-led the creation of the facility alongside Leeds Hospitals Charity. The fundraising campaign received considerable support from the Leeds Rhinos and wider Leeds communities.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
