Charlie Bird gives heartbreaking health update as he wishes everyone a Merry Christmas

Devastating.

Charlie Bird has sent out a heartbreaking message as he wished his followers a Merry Christmas. In a social media post, the former RTÉ news correspondent said his illness is now taking a greater toll on him physically. Charlie revealed his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last year but has noted since that it has been progressively getting worse. However, on Sunday (18 December), he shared the upsetting news that he does not know how long he will "survive for". Charlie wrote on Twitter: "Hi, myself and Tiger want to send you all Christmas wishes. But I need to be honest.

"Over the past couple of weeks my MND has started to spread to my limbs and I don’t know how long more I will be mobile for and survive for. “But while I can, I want to extend the hand of friendship."

https://twitter.com/charliebird49/status/1604474764835291136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1604474764835291136%7Ctwgr%5E3dd0a4f2f861d05b050ccb4b1f51e5e53553c525%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishmirror.ie%2Fshowbiz%2Firish-showbiz%2Fi-dont-know-how-long-28763804 Sharing the news that he had been diagnosed with MND last year, Charlie said at the time: "Recently I spoke about issues with my voice.

"I now know why. I have been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. "Thanks to all my pals for their amazing support. And the kindness from so many people. Stay safe everyone."

Back in September of 2021, the 72-year-old had to cancel a number of interviews due to speech problems from his then-undiagnosed illness. Motor Neurone Disease is a condition that affects the brain and nervous system, with speech issues listed among the common symptoms. According to Motor Neurone Ireland, 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.