A mural of rugby league legend Rob Burrow, whose courageous fight against motor neurone disease (MND) continues to inspire people from across the world is set for completion in Leeds city centre later this week.
Depicted wearing the famous colours of Leeds Rhinos - the club synonymous with the former scrum-half during his glittering playing career - the wall painting by highly acclaimed northern street artist 'Akse', will be proudly displayed on the side of Leeds Beckett University’s Student Union off Woodhouse Lane. The striking background to the mural has been created by Leeds artist Kieran Hartley of Third Eye Signs. When completed, the eye-catching mural will include an inspirational quote from Rob and provide another diverse piece of high quality street artwork that recognises those local people that have made an enormous contribution to the city.
The idea came from collaboration between Leeds City Council, Leeds Rhinos and the BBC. The mural has been commissioned in recognition of Rob's fantastic playing career and his tremendous courage in tackling MND and work to raise awareness of the disease. Since being diagnosed with MND a year ago, Rob has led and added his support to a range of charity initiatives raising money for MND research. The mural will also feature in this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year on 20th December on BBC One.
During his time at the Rhinos where he was known as ‘Magnificent 7’, Rob made 493 appearances for the Headingley side winning eight Super League championships, two Challenge Cups, three World Club Challenge trophies and three League Leaders Shields. At international level, he also represented England 15 times and Great Britain on five occasions.
To find out more regarding Rob’s story, https://www.therhinos.co.uk/rob-burrow/rob-mnd/
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake said: "The strength and courage which Rob has and continues to show has been incredibly moving and truly inspirational to so many people. It has really helped open up conversations around overcoming adversity on so many levels, which feels so relevant this year in particular.
"His selfless mindset, positivity and determination since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease has resonated with people not just close to home but right across the world. He continues to be an outstanding role model to people of all ages. This mural in the city centre is therefore a fitting tribute to him as a person and also marks the tremendous career that he enjoyed at the Rhinos. I would like to thank the BBC, Leeds Rhinos, Leeds Beckett University, the artists involved and everyone associated with this project for their fantastic support in creating this high quality piece of meaningful cultural artwork.”
