Search icon

News

25th May 2022

Charlie Bird planning a charity parachute jump

Sarah McKenna Barry

“I have come up with a mad idea and this is not a joke.”

As Climb With Charlie continues to raise money, broadcaster Charlie Bird has announced another charity endeavour.

Taking to Twitter yesterday, Charlie thanked everyone who donated to the fund, which raises money for Pieta House and Motor Neurone Disease Ireland, and told his followers that he is planning a parachute jump.

“Some more good news,” he wrote. “Another one hundred thousand is being donated to Climb With Charlie.”

He went on: “We are now heading to three and a quarter million. Wow.

“I have come up with a mad idea and this is not a joke doing Parachute Jump in July with a person I met recently.”

He then gave a single clue as to who the famous person might be – Saipan.

In the replies, fans assumed he must be planning the event with footballer Roy Keane, who was famously dismissed from the Republic of Ireland squad after publicly quarrelling with manager Mick McCarthy in Saipan.

Bird was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2021, and has been sharing updates on his health, as well as raising money for charity since then.

In April, he climbed Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo, while across the country, many other climbs took place.

Last week, he thanked fans for their support as Climb With Charlie reached the €3 million mark.

He said: “Everyone who supported Climb with Charlie, by your efforts, love and the kindness you have ALL made this amazing three million figure possible.

“Yes, we have reached three million raised for two great charities. And not finished yet. Thanks for extending the hand of friendship.”

In a follow-up post, he said that he “cried his eyes out” when he saw Climb With Charlie reach that figure.

“You are my heroes,” he wrote. “A big thank you.”

Feature image: Michael Mc Laughlin/RollingNews.ie