Burrow, who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, will use an eye controlled computer for the story

Rob Burrow CBeebies story

Rugby League legend Rob Burrow will read a a CBeebies Bedtime story using an eye controlled computer.

The former Leeds Rhinos player uses a computer to communicate after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2019. The computer will recreate the words into a version of Burrow’s own voice, allowing him to retain his native Yorkshire accent.

He read ‘Tilda Tries Again’ by Tom Percival, which will air at 6.50pm on Saturday 3 December. The book is about a young girl who finds that one day her world is turned topsy-turvy, nothing feels right and things that were once easy now seem incredibly challenging. The story explores how Tilda can discover a new way to approach her problems and believe in herself.

Burrow was accompanied into the CBeebies studio by his wife Lindsey and two of their children, 7-year-old Maya and 3-year-old Jackson. The children directed their dad from the TV gallery, counting down and shouting ‘action’ when the cameras were rolling.

Burrow 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.

“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.”