Following requests from several Northern employees and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, Northern Rail will name a train after Leeds rugby legend, Rob Burrow. A Yorkshire icon on and off the pitch, Rob Burrow passed away in 2024, following a public battle with Motor Neuron Disease. Burrow spent his final years campaigning and fundraising for the MND Association, with his former team-mate, Kevin Sinfield, still actively fundraising for the cause in honour of his friend. Together, the duo raised over £15m.
Working with Rob’s family and the MND Association, Northern is now creating the artwork for the train, which will not only honour Rob but also raise awareness of MND.
The train will be unveiled at a West Yorkshire train station later this year, before it embarks on its new life across the Northern railways.
Northern has also launched a ‘7 weeks of summer’ campaign, which engages its 7,000 employees to take part in fundraising activities this summer, including seven walks covering 70 miles between towns and cities in the North.
Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “When we were asked to name a train after Rob, we agreed it was a fantastic opportunity to honour his legacy. With the support of his family and the MND Association, we are now working to make this happen.
“So many of us here at Northern were inspired by Rob’s indomitable spirit and his commitment to helping others suffering with this cruel disease. That’s why we want to pay tribute to this great man, help raise awareness of MND and funding which can be used to help find a cure.”
Jo Coker, the MND Association’s director of income generation, said: “Rob was an inspiration both on and off the pitch – a man who showed real courage in sharing his diagnosis and opening up a conversation about motor neurone disease which continues to this day.
“For that, and for everything his family has done, and continues to do to support us, we are truly grateful. As one of the region’s most famous sons, naming a new train after him is a fantastic way to honour Rob’s life and legacy.
“As it travels through towns and cities, we hope it will spark many more conversations about Rob and about MND.”
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