Charlie Bird paid a tearful tribute to his late pal Vicky Phelan yesterday as he marked the first anniversary of his Croagh Patrick climb.
The RTE veteran, 73, was joined by a host of supporters for a 5K walk in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as he hailed his wife Claire as his “guiding spirit”.
Charlie, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in October 2021, urged people nationwide to support causes close to his heart.
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Among those who turned out for the event were Ms Phelan’s parents John and Gaby, Dermot Bannon, and Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan.
Charlie said extending the hand of friendship is helping him to fight on after he revealed his health has “got much worse”.
Speaking through his voice machine, he told the gathering: “In the church on the summit of Croagh Patrick on the day, I lit five candles.
“And that is what I want to do this morning. The first candle is in memory of the great Vicky Phelan, who was and still is an inspiration for the people of Ireland.
“I am so honoured her parents and her sister are here with us.”
The cervical cancer campaigner’s parents John and Gaby lit a candle in her memory after Vicky died last November aged 48.
John said: “We’re here to support Charlie today and we’re coping quite well since Vicky’s passing.
“We’d like to make a special thanks to everyone that supported us the last four months, we really appreciate it.”
Charlie also lit candles for those with terminal illnesses, anyone who is “in a dark place”, to honour frontline workers and in support of the people of Ukraine.
On his beloved dog, he added: “My great pal Tiger has been such a support for myself and Claire.
“I want to say a special word of thanks to Claire, who has been my carer, my guiding spirit. Today’s walk was not about me. The real purpose was to shine a light and extend the hand of friendship.”
President Michael D Higgins lit a candle at Aras an Uachtarain after Charlie issued his special plea.
- Charlie is set to lead a special Hand of Friendship walk for the Samaritans in Co Wicklow on Thursday.
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