ROB Burrow's parents shed tears today as they watched work begin on a centre in the late hero's honour.
The soil was turned less than 24 hours after the tragic news broke that the former England rugby star had passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease.
Burrow, 41, was diagnosed with the disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career.
Leeds Rhinos announced the hero's tragic death yesterday afternoon and crowds will tonight pay tribute to him at St James’ Park before England plays Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His dad Geoff and mum Irene appeared emotional today as they watched work begin on a £6million MND centre in Leeds.
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The centre will be known as Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease after he spearheaded the idea and fundraising.
Burrow's former teammate at pal Kevin Sinfield - who carried him over the Leeds Marathon finish line last year - stood at their side at the ceremony, too.
He was said to have pushed for work to begin on the new specialist centre today in the days before his death.
Burrow's friend Phil Daly said "Rob wouldn't want us to waste a day" in the ongoing battle with MND.
The hero's dad Geoff said through tears that his son had accepted it was his time to go.
He said "obviously it was a sad day but it was peaceful".
Geoff continued: "We made sure he ended his journey on his conditions, we didn't want any suffering and he didn't suffer, it was very peaceful.
"He was in hospital. He smiled, we got sad and he gave us the look, you know 'pack it in smile' and what have you and we did our best."
"It was very sad, surreal, you know you feel as though there is going to be a big difference and there isn't, we still haven't quite accepted it yet."
Rob said they "knew what was coming" as he said through tears: "When he took his final breath you think 'what do we do' but it was like he'd gone to heaven and I'm sure he is."
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Pal Sinfield today broke down as he said he wished Burrow "could have seen the outpouring of love" that's poured in in the wake of his death.
He said through tears: "We all lose special people but it's very rare you lose someone who is so special to so many people.
"It's pretty raw still - he'll leave a massive hole."
Sinfield continued: "What's important is Rob Burrow continues live on forever and our team and the MND community will make sure of that."
The turning of soil came after Burrow's loved ones opened up about his passing, hailing him a "true inspiration".
He is survived by Lindsey and their children Macy, Maya and Jackson.
A statement released by the Burrow family read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.
He was in hospital. He smiled, we got sad and he gave us the look, you know 'pack it in smile'.
Geoff Burrow
"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.
"For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and a half years came as no surprise.
"Rob never accepted that he couldn't do something, he just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else. He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream."
Wayne Rooney today paid tribute to Burrow too, hailing him a "true warrior, legend and inspiration".
The football manager said: "The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so so many.
"You fought so bravely until the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for the MND community but for all those who saw and heard your story."
Rooney continued: "You will continue to inspire me every single day. I have lost a dear friend and I will never forget the special times we shared both on and off the pitch.
"I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however, since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met."
The 41-year-old passed away peacefully at Pinderfield's Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill last week.
Rob never accepted that he couldn't do something, he just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else.
Burrow's family
The small but mighty rugby icon played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation.
He scooped eight Super League titles in an illustrious playing career while also representing England and Great Britain internationally.
After being diagnosed with the illness, he dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community with the support of close friend and former Leeds team-mate Sinfield.
The Prince of Wales paid tribute to Burrow describing him as a “legend of Rugby League” who had a “huge heart”.
William added: “He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’.”
A married father of three young children, he could articulate his thoughts through Eyegaze, a device which translates blinks into letters and then builds them into words on a screen.
And his wife Lindsey was a steadfast rock who carried Burrow around their home and did everything for him.
Leeds' statement released on Sunday evening read: "It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
"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.
"Rob rose through the club's academy ranks to make his debut in 2001.
"In 2004, he was part of the Leeds team that ended a 32-year wait to win the Championship with victory in the Grand Final.
"It was the first of eight Grand Final wins for Burrow including winning the man of the match award in the 2007 and 2011 Old Trafford showpieces.
"The 2011 game included his breath-taking try that is still regarded as the greatest Grand Final try ever scored."
