Former Super League star Rob Burrow will make history when he becomes the first non-verbal person to read on CBeebies ' Bedtime Story show.
The Leeds Rhinos legend will be the guest on Saturday's 6.50pm show (Dec. 3), where he'll use an eye-controlled computer to read a story. Saturday also marks the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Burrow—who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2019—said he was "excited and honoured" to be a part of the show. The former England and Great Britain international's wife, Lindsey, accompanied him to the CBeebies studio, along with young daughters Maya and Jackson.
“I loved doing the CBeebies bedtime story because it brought back so many memories of me reading stories to my own children,” Burrow told the BBC. “Reading is so important and is accessible to everyone, no matter what disability you may have.
“I can no longer speak because MND has affected my speech muscles. But it doesn’t stop me from reading to my three children. I hope you all enjoy listening to the story.”
The eight-time Super League champion has chosen 'Tilda Tries Again' by Tom Percival as his bedtime story. It tells the tale of a young girl who is forced to adapt following events that drastically alter her life.
Burrow's former Leeds and England team-mate Kevin Sinfield recently raised more than £1.8million for MND research after running seven ultra marathons in as many days. Sinfield—now a defence coach with Premiership champions Leicester Tigers —said after his latest charity-raising feat: "We will find a cure for this disease."
Olympic gold medal-winner Jessica Ennis-Hill and England football captain Harry Kane have previously read on the show. Other star guests include Dolly Parton, Stephen Fry and Sir Elton John, along with Hollywood actors like Tom Hardy, Chris Evans and Isla Fisher.
"Reading and literacy are so important," added the former scrum-half ahead of his TV appearance. "It doesn't matter what your disability is, reading is accessible to everyone. Anyone can enjoy reading and develop a love of books and bedtime stories, just like me and my family."
