“While I can, I am going to continue extending the hand of friendship.”
Charlie Bird has said that he made it to this Christmas with the help of the “love and prayers” he has received, though he does not believe he will see next Christmas.
The veteran journalist and broadcaster, 74, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2021 and later made headlines for climbing Croagh Patrick in order to raise money for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The initial fundraising goal was €1 million though the campaign went on to raise over over €3.6 million.
In a Twitter update in the run-up to Christmas, Charlie wrote: “Last Christmas I didn’t believe I would see this Christmas. But the love and prayers I received from across the country helped me so much.
“But the state of my health now, I believe I won’t see next Christmas. But while I can, I am going to continue extending the hand of friendship.”
Last Christmas I didn’t believe I would see this Christmas.But the Love and prayers I received from across the country helped me so much.But the state of my health now I believe I won’t see next Christmas.But while I can I am going to continue extending the hand of friendship.
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) December 21, 2023
Charlie Bird issues emotional health update ahead of Christmas
Earlier this month, Charlie revealed that his health had “changed dramatically”.
In a Twitter post, he said that he is now wheelchair dependent and requires to be fed through a tube, as his Motor Neurone Disease progresses.
This time last year I said I didn’t think I would see this Christmas. Thankfully I am still around and that is because of the support and kindness I have received from people all around the country.Yes my health has changed dramatically. I am wheelchair dependent now and tube fed
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) December 11, 2023
Last month, meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar presented the legendary Irish broadcaster with an award for his ‘Climb with Charlie’ campaign.
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