Rob Burrow train unveiled at birthday ceremony

A train named in honour of rugby league legend and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner Rob Burrow has been unveiled.

The ceremony, at Castleford Station, was held on Burrow's birthday following a local campaign to pay tribute to him.

Artwork covers two carriages of the Class 195 train and features a photograph of the former Leeds Rhinos star playing international rugby.

Burrow died aged 41 in June 2024, having spent the last five years of his life raising awareness of MND with close friend and former Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield.

Burrow's family attended the ceremony on Friday, with wife Lindsey Burrow describing the naming as "incredibly special".

"This train will travel far and wide so it continues Rob's legacy," she said.

"Rob never liked any fuss, he just wanted to raise awareness for people that didn't have that voice and shine a light on MND.

"But I think he'd have been really humbled and I hope he's watching down feeling really proud."

After he was diagnosed with MND in 2019, Burrow and Sinfield raised more than £15m for charity in less than five years.

Mrs Burrow said it was great for their children to see their father being the face of the MND community, showing courage in the most difficult of circumstances.

"I think he's instilled that in the children and they just feel incredibly proud of their dad," she said.

Tricia Williams, Northern managing director, said: "I'm so glad members of Rob's family were able to join us on his birthday for the unveiling of this train.

"He was an inspiration to so many people across the North for his immense bravery in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to helping others living with MND."

Northern employees, Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin requested the train naming earlier this year.

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