The Prince of Wales fulfilled a poignant promise made to the late rugby league star Rob Burrow by officially opening the first purpose-built centre dedicated entirely to Motor Neurone Disease care in Leeds.
William met Burrow's wife Lindsey, their three children Macy, Maya, and Jackson, and his former teammate and fundraising partner Kevin Sinfield at the new facility at Seacroft Hospital on Thursday 20 November 2025.
A Promise Honoured
The visit represented the keeping of a royal promise. William had awarded Burrow his CBE at Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Stadium in January 2024, where the father-of-three asked if the Prince would open the centre once it was built.
Burrow died just five months later at the age of 41, after a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND during which he became a towering figure in raising awareness and funds for research.
Lindsey Burrow expressed the family's gratitude, stating: "Rob asked him 'would you come and open the centre', and he's kept his word. To have him here today is a huge honour and privilege."
A Centre Built on Legacy
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease was the shared vision of the Leeds Rhinos legend and his consultant, Dr Agam Jung. It stands as the UK's first purpose-built centre dedicated entirely to MND care, research, education, and holistic support.
Designed around Burrow's determination to treat patients as people rather than conditions, the centre offers a revolutionary "one-stop-shop" for patients and their families.
This world-leading facility was made possible by an incredible £6.8 million fundraising campaign led by Leeds Hospitals Charity, with Kevin Sinfield's epic challenges contributing over 40% of the total.
Personal Moments and Heartfelt Tributes
Upon arrival, William shared warm moments with Burrow's family. Daughter Macy thanked him for writing to the family after Rob's passing, to which the Prince replied: "Not at all. Honestly, I'm so proud of you guys. You've done all the hard work. You should be really proud of your mum and dad."
Addressing the children directly during the ceremony, William said: "I think Rob's legacy will live on. And you guys should be so proud of your father because he really was an incredibly brave and very special man. This is a world-leading centre that's going to save a lot of lives."
In a thoughtful gesture, the Prince gifted the centre a coffee machine with a note reading: "Wishing everyone a well deserved moment of pause. I hope this brings a little warmth to your day."
The emotional ceremony concluded with Burrow's son, Jackson, ringing the bell that has heralded all of Sinfield's fundraising challenges, as William unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening.
Kevin Sinfield reflected on the achievement, noting: "Rob would have been so proud of it. He would've loved to have seen it today." He added that seeing the completed centre just days before beginning his next fundraising challenge on December 1st "adds more fuel" to their ongoing mission.
