The Prince of Wales shared a hug with Rob Burrow’s widow Lindsey as he arrived to officially open a centre in the late athlete’s honour in Leeds.
Prince William and the mother-of-three first met one another when the royal, 43, presented Rob with his CBE in January 2024.
The rugby league player passed away months later in June 2024 after a battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
William would later record a touching message for Rob’s widow to use as the foreword in her memoir, which was released earlier this year.
Together they joined forces again today to open the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds – a new world-leading facility dedicated to the diagnosis, research and care of MND.
Born from Rob’s determination to create a place that treats patients as people, not conditions, the centre was designed with patients and families at its heart – providing a calm, welcoming, and fully accessible environment.
It is the first purpose-built centre dedicated entirely to MND care, research, education and holistic support in the UK, and stands as a trailblazer for other centres around the country.
The Prince of Wales greets Lindsey Burrow with a hug as he arrives to officially open The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
Prince William and the mother-of-three (pictured) first met one another when the royal, 43, presented Rob with his CBE in January 2024
The new centre has been made possible thanks to a £6.8million fundraising campaign, led by Leeds Hospitals Charity and Rob’s consultant Dr Agam Jung.
The campaign was given considerable support by Kevin Sinfield CBE and the wider Leeds Rhinos and Leeds communities.
During his visit, His Royal Highness toured the new facility with Dr Jung and spent time with patients and families, as well as meeting those who have worked so hard to make it happen.
The Prince also spent time with Rob’s family and friends, including his wife, Lindsey Burrow, their children Macy, Maya and Jackson, and Kevin Sinfield CBE, who has raised a total of more than £10million for MND charities since 2019.
Rob Burrow CBE died in 2024 at 41-years-old, having lived with MND since his diagnosis in December 2019.
The Prince presented Rob and Kevin with their CBEs in January 2024 at Headingly Stadium, recognising their outstanding contributions to the fight against motor neurone disease.
William also recorded a touching message for Rob’s widow to use as the forward in her new memoir earlier this year.
Lindsey’s book ‘Take Care’ delved into her experience of caring for her late husband during his five year battle with motor neurone disease.
The Prince of Wales (pictured chatting to Lindsey) presented Rob and Kevin with their CBEs in January 2024 at Headingly Stadium, recognising their outstanding contributions to the fight against motor neurone disease
The Prince of Wales sits with Dr. Agam Jung (centre right), Kevin Sinfield (right) and Lindsey Burrow (left)
The Prince of Wales is welcomed by rugby union coach Kevin Sinfield during a visit to the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
William recorded a touching message for Rob’s widow (pictured right) to use as the foreword in her memoir, which was released earlier this year
The new centre has been made possible thanks to a £6.8million fundraising campaign, led by Leeds Hospitals Charity and Rob’s consultant Dr Agam Jung. Pictured, William greeting Lindsey Burrow
The Prince of Wales shared a hug with Rob Burrow’s widow Lindsey as he arrived to officially open a centre in the late athlete’s honour in Leeds
The rugby star was diagnosed with the debilitating disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career.
Mother-of-three Lindsey was an unwavering presence at Rob’s side following his diagnosis and constantly cared for him as his condition worsened over the years.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, she spoke of the ‘sweet’ message from the Prince of Wales and praised his ‘kindness and compassion’.
In an audio recording, the prince said: ‘Despite the advanced nature of Rob’s condition, I was struck by the incredible strength, positivity and incredible resilience of Lindsey.
‘Rob told me she is far tougher than any of the men he has played with or against over the years.
‘I know I am not alone in feeling great admiration for how she has kept going in the face of adversity.
‘This book tells Lindsey’s story of perseverance and love. By sharing her story, she is shining a light on those who are dealing with incredibly difficult situations, putting other’s needs before their own and making great personal sacrifices every day.
‘I hope this book provides those going through their own challenges with some comfort and optimism and that it inspires us all to look out for one another.’
The Prince of Wales is welcomed by Dr. Agam Jung, rugby union coach Kevin Sinfield and Lindsey Burrow, wife of the late rugby league player Rob Burrow, as he arrives to officially open the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
During his visit, His Royal Highness (pictured) toured the new facility with Dr Jung and spent time with patients and families, as well as meeting those who have worked so hard to make it happen
The royal couple were among the first to pay tribute to Rob following his tragic death in June 2024.
William and Kate shared a touching message on X as they expressed their condolences to the athlete’s family.
The Prince of Wales wrote: ‘A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart.
‘He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’. Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy.’
Before his death, Prince William presented Rob with a CBE for raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease in January.
The royal met with Rob, Lindsey and their three children and told the sporting hero: ‘Thank you and congratulations – for all the inspirational work you’ve done, Rob. You’ve been amazing, you really have and everyone’s so proud of you.
‘We’ve all been following your case. You’ve changed so many people’s lives with MND with what you’ve done. We’re all so proud of you.