Journalist Charlie Bird gave an emotional and hopeful interview on the Late Late Show on Friday when he spoke about he is dealing with his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease and the charity walk he is planning.
According to RTE, Charlie spoke about how he will be climbing Croagh Patrick and studying the ancient mountain has lifted his spirits during this difficult time.
Charlie told the Late Late audience:
“I have found peace – when you meet people, they lift you. I told you before that I cried every day since being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease – I don’t cry now.
“I am no longer as afraid of what is happening to me as when I was first told I had a terminal illness”.
Charlie is organising the climb for April 2, and, along with cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan, hope to raise funds for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Ireland and Pieta, the national suicide prevention charity.
During the interview, Charlie said that he is really looking forward to the climb and hopes to light a candle in the church on the top of the mountain. His pet dog Tiger sat on his knee as he spoke.
Charlie’s daughters were also in the audience together with several celebrities. Vicky Phelan and Mary McAleese both appeared by video link.
Charlie’s inspirational plans have inspired a Twitter hashtag, #ClimbWithCharlie which will no doubt be popular in the coming months.
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