Rob Burrow reads bedtime story 'Tilda Tries Again' for CBeebies

Former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow may have Motor Neuron Disease, but his heart is definitely ticking strong for all the right reasons. Rob Burrow, former rugby player and author of "Too Many Reasons to Live", will use advanced technology to recreate his own voice to 'read' a story for children.

In December 2019, Rob Burrow, who played with the Leeds rugby team the Rhinos for 16 years, was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. It’s the same ailment that Shephen Hawking, famous physicist, dealt with for so many years of his life. Burrow, too, has faced his challenges with strength and fortitude and the philosophy he talks about in his book, "Too Many Reasons to Live": "I would advise anyone dealing with tough times to live in the moment. You should be in your happy place as often as you can."

One of those happy places is in his current project, to read a bedtime story for children on CBeebies. The story he will work on is very similar to what he himself has experienced. In Tilda Tries again, by Tom Percival, a little girl finds herself swamped by unexpected problems that she must find inner power to deal with. For Burrow, this is familiar territory, as he is a doting father who often read to his own children.


Now, since he cannot speak easily, Burrow will 'read' with a computer controlled by his eyes. The software will recreate his own voice, Yorkshire accent and all, marking a first in this application. Tilda Tries Again can be heard on Saturday, December 3, at 6:50 pm on BBC iPlayer and CBeebies.

FAQs

Q. Who is Rob Burrow?
A. Robert Geoffrey Burrow MBE is an English former professional rugby league player.

Q. What is the disease Rub Burrow has been diagnosed with?
A. In December 2019, Rob Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.