Former Rugby League Star’s Podcast on MND Wins Gold at Prestigious Radio Awards

Rob Burrow, the former rugby league star who has become a passionate advocate for those living with motor neurone disease (MND), has won several accolades at the 2024 Radio Academy’s Audio and Radio Industry Awards (Arias). Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019, took home two prestigious gold awards: Best New Podcast and the Creative Innovation Award. Additionally, he claimed silver for Best New Presenter for his BBC podcast Seven: Rob Burrow.

The podcast, named after the number on Burrow’s rugby shirt, showcases interviews with sports icons using an eye-gaze machine due to his condition. His ability to adapt and continue his work in such challenging circumstances has been an inspiration to many. Burrow’s wife, Lindsey, expressed the family’s gratitude for the recognition: “The support we’ve received has been overwhelming,” she said. “To think Rob would be able to use his voice to create something like this just months ago seemed unimaginable. It’s so special, and this award helps raise awareness for MND and other health conditions.”

The Arias ceremony, which took place at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, also featured a tribute to Steve Wright, the beloved radio DJ who passed away earlier this year at the age of 69. Wright, famous for Steve Wright in the Afternoon and Pick of the Pops on BBC Radio, was honoured by his colleagues with a touching video and a musical performance by Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet.

Other winners at the ceremony included Annie Nightingale, who was posthumously awarded the Pioneer Award for her groundbreaking work as the first female DJ at BBC Radio 1, where she spent over 50 years.