The veteran broadcaster was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year.
Charlie Bird has said he is facing his “biggest challenge yet” in a heartbreaking health update following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease last year.
Last month, the veteran broadcaster made headlines for climbing Croagh Patrick in order to fundraise for the charities Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
However, in an update to his Twitter followers, Charlie said that while he was lucky to be able to climb the mountain, sitting down to eat is now “turning into a nightmare” as he has increased difficulty swallowing.
“I am lucky I was able to climb Croagh Patrick. But with my voice gone I am now facing my biggest challenge yet,” he said.
“My swallow is getting worse. Sitting down now to eat is turning into a nightmare!
“But I can still extend the hand of friendship to everyone. Thanks for your support.”
I am lucky I was able to climb Croagh Patrick. But with my voice gone I am now facing my biggest challenge yet. My swallow is getting worse. Sitting down now to eat is turning into a nightmare !
But I can still extend the hand of friendship to everyone. Thanks for your support.— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) May 3, 2022
The Climb with Charlie campaign wound up raising over €2.5 million for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
A number of Irish stars joined Charlie for the Croagh Patrick climb, including singer Daniel O’Donnell and the Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy.
Charlie said he was “blown away” by the support he received and thanked everyone for taking part.
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