Amazing news.
Donations to Climb with Charlie, the fundraising campaign launched by Charlie Bird, have now surpassed over €1 million.
As part of the campaign, the retired RTÉ reporter and a group of his family, friends and supporters will climb Croagh Patrick in Mayo on Saturday (2 April) to raise money for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House.
While health and safety restrictions and an ongoing conservation project mean that the number of people who will climb the mountain on the day is limited, Bird had encouraged members of the public to organise their own Climb with Charlie events to support the charities close to his heart.
Now, tens of thousands of people are set to take part in over 150 climbs across Ireland this weekend, with events also scheduled to take place in the US, South Africa, Australia and Spain.
At the time of writing on Friday night, the fundraiser has raised €1,076,476.98.
The campaign was set up by Bird after he received a terminal diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease last year.
Ahead of the climb on Saturday, the retired reporter stated he was "overwhelmed" at how successful the fundraiser has been.
"It was initially supposed to be me, friends and family climbing Croagh Patrick," he said.
"Since then, I have been blown away by the amazing generosity, support and kindness of people in Ireland and around the world.
“I am truly humbled and inspired that so many thousands of people are taking part in Climb with Charlie events across the world.
"With the big day fast approaching I would urge everyone to donate what they can to support the amazing work the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta do on a daily basis.
"Donations can be made and you can find details of local fundraising climbs on our campaign page
www.climbwithcharlie.ie.
"If you can’t physically take part in a climb or walk, even lighting a candle to show support would mean so much.’’
Main image via Twitter/Charlie Bird
