Charlie Bird has shared that he now receiving hospice care at home as he battles motor neurone disease.
The broadcaster has urged businesses to now host a coffee morning next month in a bid to raise €2million to support its work.
Speaking about his declining conditions, 73-year-old Charlie said: “Every day is a struggle for me now.
“But I live each day at a time. My MND has deteriorated, especially affecting my mobility.
“I want to make one thing very clear: when my time comes, I want to pass away at home surrounded by my family – and the Hospice care team say they will look after me there.”
The journalist was joined by his wife Claire and beloved dog Tiger as he addressed Irish businesses and the public to host Ireland’s biggest coffee morning on September 21.
Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice has raised €43.2million for Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement, since its inception in 1992.
The charity helps pay for medical and general staff, palliative care beds, home care visits, specialist equipment and new hospice builds.
Charlie revealed his motor neurone disease diagnosis in autumn 2021 and has since vowed to support groups and charities “as long as I have a breath in my body”.
“I would plead with everyone, in addition to businesses and organisations, to host or sponsor a coffee morning on September 21, or whenever suits them. Even two people getting together for a coffee counts as a fundraiser,” he said.
“None of us knows in this life when we might need Hospice care. So please, please extend the hand of friendship and support the Hospice wherever they are in the country.
“To those newly diagnosed with MND, I would advise: live each day at a time and fight as hard as you can.
“There are many great supports there to help us, so please use them.”
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