Actually, Rob Burrow is still alive as of July 2024. He continues to inspire many with his courageous fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and his advocacy work. His determination and spirit are well-documented and admired by many around the world.
On Monday’s installment of BBC Breakfast, hosts Sally Nugent and Ben Thompson interviewed Coronation Street actors Peter Ash and Daniel Brocklebank about their roles in the upcoming episodes of the ITV soap. In the show, Paul Winter, portrayed by Peter Ash, is grappling with the challenges of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Viewers have been following Paul’s emotional journey as his health declines due to the diagnosis. The storyline aims to raise awareness about MND and its impact on individuals and their families.
In a recent announcement, Coronation Street confirmed that fans will experience a special episode this week entirely focused on a day in the life of an MND sufferer. This powerful installment is dedicated to the memory of Rugby League legend Rob Burrow. Geoff Burrow, Rob’s dad, issued a heartfelt statement about the episode.
On BBC Breakfast, host Sally Nugent read Geoff Burrow’s kind words to the soap stars Peter Ash and Daniel Brocklebank. Geoff praised the show for its sensitive and accurate portrayal of MND, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and understanding of the disease through such storylines. The episode aims to honor Rob Burrow’s legacy and provide a deeper insight into the daily struggles faced by those living with MND.
Geoff Burrow’s statement read: “For Coronation Street to run a storyline about MND must have been a hard decision, but they have tackled this horrible disease with a very balanced storyline that reflects the struggles that the MND sufferers and their loved ones are going through.”
His words commend the show for its courageous and sensitive handling of the MND storyline, acknowledging the challenges faced by both the individuals diagnosed and their families. This special episode aims to provide a realistic and compassionate portrayal of life with MND, helping to raise awareness and understanding of the disease.
Geoff Burrow’s statement continued: “As a family we pray that this episode will be watched by millions and continues to raise awareness of this most heartbreaking of diseases. Thank you, Coronation Street.”
Peter Ash, moved by Geoff’s words, called the statement “amazing.” Daniel Brocklebank also expressed his hope that the episode would be watched by many, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness for Motor Neurone Disease through this powerful storyline.
Daniel Brocklebank added, “Like Pete said when we started this story, he didn’t know much about MND and I think, certainly with everything that Rob’s managed to achieve, teamed with our storyline, in the last two years I’ve seen more awareness for MND than I’ve ever seen in the two decades that I’ve been working alongside the MND Association.”
He shared some sobering statistics, informing the BBC hosts that six people a day are diagnosed with the disease.
Producer Verity MacLeod spoke about the upcoming episode, saying, “Paul’s MND has been such an important, powerful story and this episode is one of the real pinnacle moments in Paul’s journey. Coronation Street has never done anything like this before, it is extraordinary, heartbreaking, funny, and beautiful. Must-see television at its best!”
Producer Verity MacLeod continued, “One thing we were keen to show in this episode is that due to motor neurone disease, Paul’s speech has now deteriorated to the point where he is unable to speak to his loved ones unaided by technology, which while brilliant, can be slow and restrictive. However, Paul’s brain is still completely active, his personality hasn’t changed. He still has a wicked sense of humour and is the quick-witted cheeky chappy we first met in 2018.”
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