Leeds Rhinos scrum half dies from deadly disease

A legend in the rugby league community, Leeds Rhinos scrum half Rob Burrow passed away at the age of 41.

Burrow, who played rugby league professionally for 17 years, fought a battle who could not win when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (mnd) in 2019 and died on his 41st birthday on the second of June.

Motor neurone disease affects so many people across the world is devastating for all involved. In light of this, I wanted to look at some well known sports stars who got the disease.

Doddle Weir

Scotland rugby union player Doddle Weir announced in 2017 that he had got the disease. Weir, who made 61 appearances for Scotland, was told by the doctor that he wouldn’t be able to walk within the year.

Weir set up his own foundation before his death ‘My Name’5 Doddie. Weir passed away in November 2022.

Stephen Darby

Former professional footballer Stephen Darby had to call time on his career at the age of 29 due to being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The former footballer is married to England Women’s captain Steph Houghton and has set up a fund for families affected by the illness since his own diagnosis.