Charlie Bird has been inundated with messages of support, after revealing his voice is “almost gone” in a heartbreaking update on his condition.
The former RTÉ News correspondent was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year, after noticing issues with his speech.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Charlie shared an old video of himself singing Happy Birthday to his beloved dog Tiger.
Someone found this on Twitter recently . I put it up a few years ago..In a way it is a stark reminder of how far I have now traveled..Today my voice is almost gone. But thankfully Tiger can still sing. I will still be climbing Croagh Patrick on April 2nd. https://t.co/TCqkcU5vLo pic.twitter.com/5U9DVdL7ts
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) January 25, 2022
He wrote: “Someone found this on Twitter recently. I put it up a few years ago…In a way it is a stark reminder of how far I have now travelled…”
“Today my voice is almost gone. But thankfully Tiger can still sing.”
The 72-year-old also revealed he still plans to climb Croagh Patrick on April 2nd, as part of his fundraising event for The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.
Charlie’s post received a huge reaction on Twitter, as many branded him an “inspiration” and encouraged him to stay strong.
The former RTÉ journalist pledged to climb Croagh Patrick on The Late Late Show last year, as he discussed his battle with MND.
A host of well-known faces have since promised to join him, including Vicky Phelan, Ryan Tubridy, Baz Ashmawy, Dermot Bannon, and Roz Purcell.
Charlie is asking the people of Ireland to support his climb by donating to his two chosen charities – Irish Motor Neurone Disease Ireland, and Pieta.
He’s also invited people to start their own fundraiser via climbwithcharlie.ie, and said people can pledge to walk a local hill or mountain, or even walk around their local park.
In a post shared on the website, Charlie wrote: “Join me on April 2nd as I raise funds for two charities which are very close to my heart – Irish Motor Neurone Disease Ireland and Pieta, Ireland’s national suicide prevention charity.”
“My motor neurone disease diagnosis was devastating but I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from the general public and this has been a source of strength for me.”
“I want to use that outpouring of support to help other people and specifically those who are also suffering with this disease and those who are suffering from thoughts of suicide and self-harm.”
“I will be climbing Croagh Patrick with the support of my family and friends. Due to uncertainty around Covid, I need to be cautious around the numbers who will also climb the Reek but you can organise your own ‘Climb with Charlie’ on April 2nd.”
Inviting people to start their own fundraiser via a link on the website, Charlie added: “Every contribution helps and all contributions will be reflected in the total funds raised on this page.”
