Rob Burrow will read the first CBeebies Bedtime Story using an eye-controlled computer.
Rob Burrow will read the first CBeebies Bedtime Story using an eye-controlled computer
The retired rugby league player was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019 and will become the first person to read a book on the BBC show by using the technology - that was adapted to showcase his Yorkshire accent - to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday (03.12.22).
The 40-year-old star said: "I used to love reading to my own children as part of their bedtime routine. I was so excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story.”
Rob - who will be reading ‘Tilda Tries Again’ by Tom Percival, a story about a little girl learning to succeed after being given a whole host of new challenges - labelled books and learning to love literature “so important” for everyone, including his own family, including his children Macy, Maya, and Jackson with his wife Lindsey.
He said: “Reading and literacy are so important. 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."
In 2018, ‘Catastrophe’ star Rob Delaney became the first person to sign a CBeebies Bedtime Story.
He used Makaton to read 'Ten in a Bed’ by Penny Dale, in honour of his late son Henry, who tragically died at the age of two, after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
At the time, the 45-year-old comedian said: "Our family learned Makaton to be able to communicate with our son Henry, who couldn't speak due to a tracheotomy.
"My family loves to read together so naturally we're fans of 'CBeebies Bedtime Stories'.
"I am beyond honoured to be the first person to read and sign a book using the Makaton language.
"We're sad Henry isn't here to see it, but we're happy other families will get to enjoy a story told in Makaton."
Rob reads CBeebies Bedtime Story at 6.50pm on Saturday 3rd December (CBeebies and BBC iPlayer).
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