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14th Nov 2023

Charlie Bird appeals to public to support his wife and dog after he passes

Simon Kelly

Charlie Bird Appeal

“I really love you all.”

Charlie Bird has made an emotional appeal to the public to continue helping his wife and dog “extend the hand of friendship” after he passes.

The request was directly aimed at everyone who supports the climbwithcharlie initiative to help “people in dark places” and charities supported by the former RTÉ journalist.

Bird posted on social media:

“Hi everyone, I want to make a direct appeal to everyone who supports climbwithcharlie, when I pass,please help my lovely wife Claire and Tiger to continue the work of extending the hand of friendship to people in dark places and the charities I support. I really love you all.”

Charlie Bird continues to extend hand of friendship through MND battle

Bird, who continues to battle Motor Neuron Disease, climbed Croagh Patrick in April last year alongside thousands of volunteers, raising around €3.6 million for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental health charity Pieta.

After his climb, Bird called it one of the “most remarkable” days in his life.

In October, the former broadcaster revealed that his disease has progressed to the stage where he will soon need mobility assistance, revealing to his followers that he is now using a feeding tube.

Bird turned 74 earlier in the year, a milestone which he called a “miracle” at the time.

“Around this time last year I said I didn’t know if I would see another birthday. But the love from Claire, my two daughters and all of my RTE colleagues, and the love and kindness that has been shown to me from people right across this country has helped to keep me alive.

“It has been amazing, there are no words to describe it.”

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