Broadcaster Charlie Bird has sent out a heartbreaking message as he wished his followers a Merry Christmas.
The former RTÉ news correspondent, who has Motor Neurone Disease (MND), said his illness is now affecting his limbs and his mobility.
“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,” he said.
“But while I can, I want to extend the hand of friendship,”
Mr. Bird shared a photo of himself and his dog Tiger in the touching message.
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. pic.twitter.com/iC6L2279C1
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) December 18, 2022
Mr Bird has become a much-admired advocate for people with terminal illnesses since his diagnosis last year.
He lost his voice earlier this year, but despite his challenges, he climbed Croagh Patrick earlier this year and raised €3.2m for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House. Among the famous friends who climbed with Charlie that day was Daniel O’Donnell, who said it was an “honour” to be involved in such an event that united so many.
