Charlie Bird says there's 'no possibility' he could climb Croagh Patrick again.
The former broadcaster took to Twitter in the form of a video message, a year on from the creation of his Climb with Charlie appeal, which saw hundreds of people nationwide brave the heights of Croagh Patrick for charity. Charlie has gained huge public support after disclosing his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease in 2021. He wished all his supporters a happy and healthy New Year, but also took the opportunity to reflect on his own wellbeing.
He said in the video: “I am no longer certain how much longer I will have mobility. There is no possibility that I could climb Croagh Patrick again, although I want to continue helping people and charities.”
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The 73-year-old also shared the extent of his emotional distress, admitting that he was prone to involuntary crying, a common symptom of Motor Neurone Disease. He previously spoke candidly about experiencing “an awful crying moment” while out in Dunnes Stores, where he was kindly comforted by two women.
However, the veteran broadcaster said that the famous Climb with Charlie campaign would still be commemorated in a special way on its one year anniversary. He promised his supporters that he would continue to extend the hand of friendship to those also struggling with terminal illness.
He said: “I don’t want to be selfish. There are lots of people struggling with terminal illness who are in dark places. We all need to show love and kindness to them.”
Climb with Charlie raised over €3 million for charities such as Pieta House and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Several famous faces took to the Mayo peak in support of the campaign, including Ryan Tubridy and Daniel O’Donnell.
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