The veteran broadcaster has given a health update after spending Christmas with his family.
Charlie Bird has sadly revealed that his health is in “a much worse situation”.
In a Twitter post, the veteran broadcaster and journalist confirmed that his motor neurone disease (MND) is moving to his limbs.
“This time last year we started the planning for Climb with Charlie on 2 April and it turned out to be an amazing day,” he told his followers.
“But today my health is unfortunately in a much worse situation.
“My motor neurone is moving to my limbs. But I am not giving up the fight.”
Charlie also thanked people for their kindness and, in a video attached to the Twitter post, promised to continue helping charities this year.
This time last year we started the planning for climbwithcharlie on April 2nd it turned out to be am amazing day. But today my health is unfortunately in a much worse situation my motor neurone is moving to my limbs. But I am not giving up the fight. Thanks for your kindness pic.twitter.com/ZxZU1lUhk9
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) January 3, 2023
Charlie shared in the clip: “I want to wish everyone who supported Climb with Charlie a happy and healthy New Year.
“I want to thank you all for raising over €3.5 million for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. You are all so kind.
“I’m going to continue extending the hand of friendship to everyone who, like myself, are in dark places.”
He continued: “To be honest, my own situation is not great. I am no longer certain how long more I will have mobility but I am going to continue to raise awareness for Samaritan volunteers all over the country.
“I have lots of thoughts running around in my head to mark that great day in April, but now there is no possibility that I could climb Croagh Patrick again.
“In my head, I just want to continue helping people and charities.
“What is really upsetting me is that my uncontrollable crying is getting worse.
“I don’t want to be selfish, there are lots of people with terminal illnesses who are in dark places and we all need to show love and kindness to them.”
Charlie revealed his diagnosis with MND last year but has noted since that it has been progressively getting worse.
It is a condition that affects the brain and nervous system, with speech issues listed among the common symptoms.
According to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, it is a “progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord.
“This means messages gradually stop reaching the muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting,” it added.
The cause of the disease is unknown and it can affect people of any age.
While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
