Whitehaven funeral directors remember Leeds Rhinos star Rob Burrow

Margrett and John of Yeowart Funeral Directors have planted a commemorative rose in memory of Rob Burrow who recently lost his life to motor neurone disease. 

The couple are rugby league fans, and they regularly go to watch Whitehaven RL home matches at the Ortus Rec which their house and business overlooks. 

The rose has been planted in the memorial garden outside the funeral home. People who have lost their loved ones often come to the garden as a place to remember them. 

John bought the roses from a centre in Penrith as they are being specially sold in memory of Rob Burrow to raise money for a Motor Neurone Disease charity. 

Mr Yeowart said: "We've put a special rose in the garden as a token of remembrance to Rob Burrow. He played for Leeds the whole of his sporting career, for around 17 years."

Over his career, Rob Burrow made nearly 500 appearances for Leeds Rhinos. He became one of the most successful players in the sport, winning eight Super League Championships. 

In December 2019 he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and raised awareness of the illness with fellow player Kevin Sinfield. 

On June 2, 2024, Rob Burrow unfortunately passed away due to the illness. 

Mr Yeowart continued: "I thought that it was worth remembering in the area, as most people in Whitehaven know what it's about. 

"Whitehaven RL held a minute silence in memory of him on Sunday before the match. 

"I was touched by what happened to Rob Burrow, it was a shock to find out that he'd been diagnosed in the first place. 

"There's a big rugby league community in Whitehaven, so what has gone on has been well talked about. 

"This is the first time we've done something like this, and I'm pleased to say that some of the costs of the rose will be going to support charity.

"We've been here for thirty years, and we've always had our memorial garden. People come with flowers and on a fine day, they quite often congregate on there and have a chat."