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23rd October 2023
03:03pm BST
The former RTÉ broadcaster has revealed he has 'turned a corner' with his health condition and feels like he has 'unlocked new freedom.'
In 2021, Bird was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, after noticing issues with his speech.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, last night (October 22nd), the 74-year-old wrote:
"I have turned another corner in my life.This afternoon I got out, for the first time in my new wheelchair. It’s going to give me freedom to continue extending the hand of friendship to people in dark places and helping raise awareness for the elephant in the room for Samaritans."
I have turned another corner in my life.This afternoon I got out, for the first time in my new wheelchair. It’s going to give me freedom to continue extending the hand of friendship to people in dark places and helping raise awareness for the elephant in the room for Samaritans.
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) October 22, 2023
Bird, following his diagnosis, has raised €3.6 million for charity when he climbed Crouch Patrick in Co. Mayo alongside 1,000 people over 241 locations.
Since completing Climb With Charlie, he has been 'extending the hand of friendship' to countless charities nationwide.
And the inspirational 74-year-old's fundraiser has since gone on to be shortlisted for the World Public Relations and Communication Awards.
Charlie has been keeping his followers updated throughout his journey with MND, recently confessing that the condition was 'changing fast'.
"I am now using a feeding tube and will soon have to use a mobility travelator to get out and about."
My MND is changing fast.I am now using a feeding tube and will soon have to use a mobility travelator to get out and about.Also I am being honoured by the Murrisk Community. They are giving a permanent home to a stone to mark climbwithcharlie. Now Brent Popes project is my goal. pic.twitter.com/hQQOsL15Uu
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) October 16, 2023
