I came in from the warmth of the garden
And the TV news was on;
And you were gone.
I cried.
I don't know you at all.
But I know who you are and who you will continue to be.
There are champions among men
But they don't need trophies to be applauded.
I think that you will be remembered
Less as a rhino to me.
I've seen you with a ball,
Racing and darting in clips.
But that was only part of who you were.
You will stay with me as a fighter,
A man who loved and laughed;
Who saw a debilitating life, as an opportunity,
A challenge that others would shirk.
You tackled it, like the player you were.
While the disease caused you to shrink,
You grew.
You are a giant among men.
You had every right to feel bitter
But it never showed publicly.
Never.
I did not know you on the rugby field;
League is not my thing.
But I know you now and others do too.
41 is no age to die
But you left that life brimming:
Spilling over with love and hope,
A legacy made for others to follow.
I wish I had friends like yours,
Who'd carry me like a baby
Cradled
To share in a moment.
To inspire such love in others
Is a rare, rare gift.
That's what men do:
Support and show strength and love
Unabashedly.
It is a sad day
But I have hope.
Goodbye, Rob Burrow.
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Comments (11)
Such a beautiful and touching tribute to a life of courage and selflessness. Thanks for sharing Rachel
Oh so sad for him to die young; you wrote a great tribute!!💕
After reading the BBC article, your tribute became even more beautiful. Glad he seemed to live life fully and completely in too short of a frame.
That was such a lovely tribute.
This is such a heartbreaking story. I was sad when I saw the news. Your tribute is spot on.
A beautiful tribute, Rachel. Not familiar with his story but sounds like he lived an impactful life despite its brevity
heartbreaking
This a deeply moving tribute, Rachel! Pitch perfect writing!
It's really heartbreaking....to know about his demise.
aw, this is a fine tribute. Not much of a rugby man in general at all...but I think lots of us admired and respected him and couldn't help love him a little bit for his battles and being such a positive force....despite the circumstances. Him and Doddie can rest now. See...that's the mark of someone...when they transcend their own field their own sport or whatever and are known for something even more important. Anyway, Chum. Well done on such a lovely, warm and positive tribute!
I don't know him but it's so sad that he has passed away 🥺