Former RTE presenter Charlie Bird has admitted he is “really struggling” at the moment as he bravely battles Motor Neurone Disease ahead of his 73rd birthday next week.
The Dublin star, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year, said that he didn’t think a year ago he would ever see his 73rd birthday, which he is set to celebrate on September 9. Taking to social media, Charlie tweeted: "I am really struggling at present and emotionally. This time last year I didn’t think I would make my 73rd birthday but just over a week to go I will.
“Roll on Christmas and Brucie thanks everyone the love is amazing," he added. The former news correspondent also thanked those who have been “extending the hand of friendship” to him in recent months.
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In a tweet over the weekend, Charlie said that while on a break away, he and his wife Claire and much loved-dog Tiger had been shown kindness by strangers. He tweeted: "Sometimes I wish I had a camera with me. Claire and Tiger and I are taking a break and everywhere I go the kindness I am being shown by strangers is amazing, sometimes I end up crying but they are tears of joy."
On 2 April, Charlie climbed Croagh Patrick in Mayo with the help of his family and friends, inspiring thousands of people do almost two hundred separate Climb with Charlie fundraisers across Ireland, the US, South Africa, Australia and Spain. Last month at a special ceremony in Merrion Square in Dublin, Charlie presented two cheques totalling €3,376,000 to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House, and he thanked the Irish public for their kindness in supporting him and the charities.
Meanwhile, Charlie has also gotten a book published which is titled ‘Climb With Charlie’, featuring stunning photographs capturing the climb at Croagh Patrick and is described as a “joyous record of that unforgettable, emotional day, and a deserved celebration of determination, generosity and community”.
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