The Prince of Wales personally honoured a pledge to his late friend this week, attending the official opening of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in a moving ceremony.
A Royal Promise Fulfilled
Prince William visited Seacroft Hospital in Leeds on Thursday, November 20, where he met with numerous individuals connected to the project. Among them were the daughters of the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow and his close friend and fellow campaigner, Kevin Sinfield.
Following the emotional opening, Sinfield spoke to BBC Breakfast about the significance of the Prince's visit. He revealed the personal nature of William's commitment, stating, "To have Prince William here today, he's a man of his word. He said he would come and open it, he told Rob he would."
Tributes and Lasting Legacy
Sinfield went on to highlight how the royal presence added "great credibility to the work that's been done" and praised the future king as a "caring guy." He also acknowledged the role of BBC Breakfast in amplifying their campaign from the beginning, which helped the Burrow family's journey resonate with the nation.
The centre stands as a testament to Rob Burrow's courageous final years. Burrow died on June 2, 2024, at the age of 41, after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in late 2019. He dedicated his life after diagnosis to raising millions of pounds for MND charities and increasing research investment, efforts for which he was awarded an MBE and later a CBE.
Public and Royal Recognition
Viewers and the public have united in praise for both Burrow's legacy and Sinfield's unwavering support. Many social media comments called for Sinfield to receive a knighthood, describing him as "a credit to Rob, his family, and the rugby league community."
At the time of Burrow's passing, Prince William himself paid tribute, calling the rugby star an "inspiration". This week's visit to the new centre in Leeds solidifies that royal admiration and ensures the fight against MND continues with powerful backing.
