For many years, the riverside gardens of Quarry Bank Mill have been adorned with the beauty of rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias. However, on Friday morning, a new bunch of wildflowers was planted in remembrance of a beloved figure.

Lindsey Burrow, aged 42, sowed these seeds in honor of her husband Rob, a former Leeds Rhinos rugby player who succumbed to motor neurone disease (MND) last June at the age of 41. With the anniversary of his passing approaching and countless celebrations marking children’s birthdays without him, Lindsey sought to commemorate another special occasion.

Celebration Day, observed annually on the last bank holiday Monday in May, aims to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on in a joyful manner rather than a mournful one.

This year, 94 National Trust sites are offering free wildflower seeds for individuals to plant in memory of their loved ones, following the success of the memorial forest initiative launched by readers of a notable publication two years prior.

Lindsey reflected on the significance of this day and her cherished memories of Rob. “Rob’s positivity and bravery define his legacy, which is one of hope,” she expressed. “Thanks to his courage in sharing his journey, people are now more aware of MND.”

Rob was diagnosed with the fast-progressing neurological disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord in 2019. Instead of succumbing to despair, he chose to make the most of the time he had left. In 2022, the family invited cameras into their home to reveal the harsh reality of living with the disease, and the following year, his former teammate Kevin Sinfield assisted him across the finish line of the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.

For his efforts in raising awareness about MND, Rob received honors including an MBE and a CBE. Furthermore, earlier this year, the Rugby Football League (RFL) announced the creation of the Rob Burrow Award, presented to the player judged to be the standout performer in the Super League grand final. Since Rob’s diagnosis, the family has raised millions for MND charities, ultimately leading to the establishment of the £6.8 million Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, set to open this autumn.

Lindsey’s determination throughout this journey exemplifies how celebration can coexist with grief—an experience she shares with her three children. “We remember Rob every day,” she noted. “It may be as simple as a song on the radio that reminds us of him. We even maintain a memory jar where we occasionally revisit our fond memories of him as a family. The kids have also created memory books at school with the help of their teachers.”

She previously shared that she was always open with her children Macy, Maya, and Jackson about Robert’s diagnosis and the prognosis. Reflecting on their resilience, she credited Rob’s positive outlook for their strength. “That resilience reflects Rob and his positive attitude,” she said. “They witnessed his perseverance in the face of adversity.”

Lindsey acknowledged the support of the children’s school, where a dedicated teacher underwent training in bereavement to provide appropriate individualized assistance and resources for them.

Despite her efforts to navigate this difficult journey, Lindsey emphasized that grief is unpredictable, recalling a recent incident where her youngest child, Jackson, experienced an outburst in a supermarket out of longing for his father. “The children can get upset at unexpected moments,” she explained. “Grief often strikes when least anticipated, whether it’s due to a particular news story or a moment when I would typically text Rob to say I was leaving work.”

Lindsey commended the purpose of Celebration Day, which encourages individuals to pause and reflect. On Monday, her family will be remembering Rob.

“As a society, I believe we often shy away from discussing our deceased loved ones, likely due to concerns over stirring emotions in ourselves or others. However, I have found these conversations to be beneficial,” she remarked. “They help keep the memories alive. It’s essential to remember not just the hardships but also the joyful moments and cherished times spent together. Those memories can never be taken from us.”

Do you have a unique or personal way of remembering a loved one? Share your story below.

Celebration Day 2025 will fall on May 26. This annual event serves as a national tribute to honor and celebrate those who are no longer with us. This year, people are encouraged to share their memories on social media using #ShareYourStar. For more information, visit celebrationday.com.