Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow MBE is set to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story later this week to mark International Day of Disabled Persons.
The 40-year-old formerrugby star turned motor neuron disease campaigner and charity hero will be reading a bedtime story on Saturday, 3 December, to celebrate the international observance so close to his heart.
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:
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 neuron 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 Neuron 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)
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Leeds Palestinian Film Festival announces dates for 12th annual edition
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Viral Yorkshire shop urges visitors to avoid weekends as huge queues form
Clementine Hall
A viral apothecary shop in Yorkshire has warned visitors about huge queues forming outside its doors, urging people to visit during the week if they want to avoid the crowds.
The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth has become a popular destination for those looking to really get into the autumn spirit.
And it seems like there's a lot of people who are looking to do so, as huge queues have been forming along the quaint cobbled streets of Haworth.
So much so, that owner Carolin had to issue a statement via The Cabinet of Curiosities Instagram page.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It reads: "Weekends in Haworth have become particularly busy during Autumn and we are so grateful to all those lovely souls who have patiently queued to visit the shop.
"We are so honoured that you are happy to wait to come in to our magical apothecary shop, and I can’t quite believe it when I look out of the windows and see the queue snaking up the cobbles. Be assured that the queue does move fast and it makes for a far more pleasurable visit if there are fewer people in the shop at once.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"If you would rather avoid the busy times it’s best to visit during the week if you can. Our shop is open 7 days a week 10-5, but to make sure all the shops in Haworth are open then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are probably the best days to visit.
"We are doing our best to keep up with restocking and our fabulous workshop witches are busy blending, filling and packing every day to keep to keep the shelves stocked. We are humbled and forever grateful that you love our little shoppe, and hope you enjoy your potions and your visit to The Cabinet of Curiosities."
Danny Jones -
1st December 2022 
