Former rugby player Rob Burrow MBE is next up to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story later this week to mark International Day of Disabled Persons.
The 40-year-old ex-Leeds Rhino turned MND campaigner will be reading a bedtime story on Saturday, 3 December, to celebrate the international day of observance.
Having already recorded his story, despite not being able to walk or talk anymore, Burrow used an eye-controlled computer to read the story, with a ground-breaking program able to recreate the words in his own native Yorkshire accent. Absolutely lovely.
Joined in the CBeebies studio by his wife Lindsey and two of their children, seven-year-old Maya and three-year-old Jackson, the pair helped to direct their dad from the gallery, shouting “action!” as the cameras started rolling. Heartwarming stuff, just watch:
“It brought back so many memories of me reading to my own children”
The former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow is the latest celebrity to take part in the CBeebies Bedtime Story 🌙📘
Speaking to the BBC, Rob said he felt “excited and honoured” to be chosen for this British institution in UK television, especially as he used to enjoy reading to his own children.
He went on to insist that “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.”
The book chosen for his bedtime story is Tilda Tries Again by Tom Percival, which follows the story of a young girl who finds her world turned upside-down and has to find a new way to solve her problems, not unlike Rob’s own journey in recent years.
The Leeds Rhinos legend is one of the most successful players in rugby league history, winning eight Super League championships.
Sadly, in December 2019, Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a condition which affects the brain and nerves, causing worsening muscular weakness.
Since then, he has gone on to raise millions for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), with hundreds of notable names rallying around him as a fundraising figure in recent years. What a legend.
Rob Burrow’s Bedtime Story will air at 6.50pm on Saturday, 3 December on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.
Featured Image — Cbeebies/BBC Breakfast (via Twitter)
News
Huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech to open at Quayside MediaCity
Emily Sergeant
Time to get practicing your swing, as a huge new premium indoor golf venue is opening up over in Salford this autumn.
Founded by a local PGA Professional and spanning a whopping 4,500 sq ft of state-of-the-art space, TeeClub is set to be a revolutionary new venture where cutting-edge technology meets luxurious comfort at the unique waterside destination.
TeeClub will provide a first-of-its-kind premium environment with seven high-tech Trackman simulators, taking players to more than 450 world-famous courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and more.
The new venue is also launching a partnership with sports equipment brand TaylorMade, so golf fans can either bring their own clubs to use on the day, or make use of TaylorMade equipment available if needed.
Resident PGA professionals will offer personalised lessons with AI-driven video analysis when the venue opens later this year, while a dedicated club fitter will make sure every swing is matched with the right equipment.
There’ll also be a club shop stocking TaylorMade gear alongside apparel from Manchester-based brand, Concrete Links Co.
The new venue is designed for both individuals and businesses alike, and will offer exclusive memberships and corporate packages, as well as semi-private bays and interactive gaming modes, making it an ideal place for team-building events or relaxed evenings with friends.
A huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech is opening at Quayside MediaCity / Credit: Supplied
There’ll also be bar on site serving coffee, pizzas, snacks, wine, and craft beers.
“Our vision for TeeClub is to create an indoor golf experience that combines the authenticity of the sport with modern luxury,” commented Nick Holmes, who is a PGA Professional and the Director of Golf at TeeClub, ahead of the venue opening this autumn.
“Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, a corporate group hosting an event, or an experienced golfer, TeeClub will provide the tools, technology, and atmosphere.”
TeeClub is set to open at Quayside this autumn, but an official launch date is yet to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Florence + The Machine announce massive Manchester gig on new tour
Daisy Jackson
Florence + The Machine are heading back out on a huge arena tour, with a massive gig here in Manchester.
Florence Welch has announced the UK and European tour dates in support of her sixth studio album, Everybody Scream.
As well as a show at the Co-op Live in Manchester, Florence + The Machine will perform in Sheffield, London and Liverpool, along with several other UK cities.
She’ll be joined by Paris Paloma as support across all 18 dates.
Last week, Florence released the album’s title track, ahead of the album’s release on 31 October. She’s worked for two years on this new music, calling on collaborators including Mark Bowen of IDLES, Aaron Dessner and Mitski.
She has said that this new album explores womanhood, partnership, aging and dying, inspired by her recovery from lifesaving surgery on the Dance Fever Tour.
Big hits of Florence + The Machine’s discography include You’ve Got The Love, Shake It Out, and Spectrum (Say My Name), and she’s collaborated with the likes of Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, and Lady Gaga.
She’s famed for her high-energy, ethereal stage presence which has seen her sell out arenas for years.
Florence + The Machine will be back in Manchester in February 2026, performing at the Co-op Live on 20 February.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 5 September 2025 at 10am HERE.
There are also packages available with Seat Unique HERE.
Danny Jones -
1st December 2022 
