ROB Burrow’s brave kids comforted their mum as she was overcome with emotion while inspecting the sea of flowers laid in his honour.
Hundreds of fans have paid tribute at Headingley where his team Leeds Rhinos played.
And wife Lindsey, his teenage sweetheart, and their children Macy, 11, Maya, eight, and four-year-old Jackson on Tuesday laid their own bouquets.
Lindsey wept as she surveyed the floral tributes and it sank in just how much her husband meant to so many people.
We take comfort from how much people's love and continued support meant to Rob through his most vulnerable times
Spectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three years Lindsey Burrow
At one stage Macy gave her mum a hug and the family then spent time reading the messages on the cards from heartbroken supporters.
Rob touched the hearts of millions with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and his drive to raise millions to fund research to help others.
He passed away on Sunday aged 41 - a day before the ground-breaking ceremony on the MND centre in Leeds which will bear his name.
Lindsey said after he passed away: “He was simply the best. Our hero.”
In her heart-wrenching statement, she wrote: "Although we knew this day would arrive, I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our loving, kind, caring husband and father has departed.
"I was incredibly proud and fortunate to call Rob my husband.
"I am unbelievably proud of the campaigning he's done to raise awareness and the millions of pounds that have been raised in his name for MND charities.
"I would like to thank the Rugby League community and everyone for their outpouring of love and support since Rob's diagnosis. I truly appreciate every message of support, and fundraising that has been done.
"My priority is to make Rob proud, and to bring our three children up as Rob would want and ensure their happiness and wellbeing.
"We will continue to keep Rob's legacy alive. We will continue to 'bang the drum' and do our best to try and help others.
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"We take comfort from how much people's love and continued support meant to Rob through his most vulnerable times.
"He was simply the best."
Tributes continued to pour in yesterday.
Actor Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series and voiced the audiobook version of Burrow’s autobiography, said: “A world without Rob is a little less bright, a little less optimistic.
“But his legacy will be as great as he was. The Rob Burrow Centre for MND will be built. And it will be the beginning of the end for this disease.”
ROB BURROW LEGACY
On Monday, the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital was opened in a touching ceremony at Rob's request.
His close friend and former team-mate Kevin Sinfield attended the occasion with Burrow's parents Geoff and Irene Burrow, alongside sisters Joanne Hartshorn and Claire Burnett.
Mrs Burrow told reporters: "I said this is what Rob would want and I think he'd be proud that we all pulled ourselves together and got the strength to come, and we're doing it for Lindsey and the kids.
"He'll be looking down on us and he'll be going 'thumbs up'. We're so proud to be here and it's amazing what you can achieve."
"As Rob says, in a world full of adversity you must dare to dream. We're dreaming of when this opens," she added.
Before his death, Burrow had led a £6.8million charity appeal for Leeds Hospitals Charity, where he received care, for a centre for those with MND.
Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours list for his services to rugby league and the MND community and was promoted to a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.
BRAVE BATTLE
The former rugby player was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career.
He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield's Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.
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.
FINAL MESSAGE
Burrow left a pre-recorded final message to his family and the world.
The touching words were aired on the BBC One special programme There's Only One Rob Burrow on Monday evening.
Burrow spoke about receiving his diagnosis and said: "My family told me I was slurring my speech a bit but I didn't take notice or believe them."
Meanwhile, devastated widow Lindsey said: "I remember that moment being told it's not good news.
"Asking how long and them saying two years. Rob said thank god it's me and not the kids. That's all he was bothered about."
Inspirational Burrow described himself as "a fighter" in his message and said: "I'll certainly be swinging, I'm not going to give in, not until my last breath.
"I'm a prisoner in my own body, that's the way MND gets you.
"I think I would've broken down if it was me but Lindsey has this unwavering patience."
The rugby legend also recalled childhood memories of playing the sport.
"The guys always seemed to be a lot lot bigger than me. It inspired me to be more determined."
In his final emotional final message, Burrow said: "As a father of three young children I would never want any family to have to go through what my family have since my diagnosis.
"I hope I have left a mark on the disease.
"I hope it shows to live in the moment.
"I hope you find inspiration from the whole story.
"My final message to you is whatever your personal battle be brave and face it.
"Every single day is precious.
"Don't waste a moment.
"In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream.
"Rob Burrow, over and out."
