Charlie Bird says his MND is 'changing fast' in new update
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Retired broadcaster, Motor Neurone Disease advocate and charity campaigner Charlie Bird has updated followers on his condition in a new post on his Twitter account.
"My MND is changing fast," he posted on Monday afternoon, adding: "I am now using a feeding tube and will soon have to use a mobility travelator to get out and about."
RTÉ's former chief news correspondent had posted about beginning the use of a feeding tube earlier in the month, stating that it would "improve [his] quality of life".
Bird also announced that the village of Murrisk in Co Mayo, the departure point for his April 2022 fund-raising Croagh Patrick climb, is "giving a permanent home to a stone to mark" the occasion when Bird, his wife Claire, and his family and friends raised over €3 million for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental-health charity Pieta.
The accompanying video message saw Bird, alongside his beloved pooch Tiger, use his text-to-speech technology to deliver a plug for the Elephant in the Room project, led by broadcaster Brent Pope, in his recognisable dulcet tones.
Raising funds and awareness for the work of the Samaritans mental-health charity - addressing the elephant in the room, quite literally - the initiative sees artists and celebrities decorate and sign sculptures of baby elephants, to be auctioned to the highest bidder.
Bird was involved in co-designing one of the project's pieces, and the reporter reminded supporters that all proceeds from the initiative will go to the charity.
"This great project is about raising mental health awareness, and reaching out to people in dark places," he said in the video.
"[U2 bassist] Adam Clayton's elephant has raised over €14,000; the one signed by the Irish rugby team has reached over €16,000.
"My lovely elephant, painted by Niall O'Loughlin, is a tribute to the work of the Samaritans, has an image of [cervical cancer campaigner] Vicky Phelan, and is signed by President Michael D. [Higgins]. I would love if some corporate or person put in a big bid.
"On the fourth of November, my elephant, along with Samaritans volunteers, will be greeted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin at the Mansion House."
In his inimitable style, Bird signed off by reaffirming the purpose of his current work and advocacy for charity and mental well-being.
"All my efforts now will focus on extending the hand of friendship to people in dark places.
"I love you all," he concluded, waving down the camera to his supporters.
- Interested parties can bid on Charlie Bird and Niall O'Loughlin's elephant sculpture 'Charlie', signed by Michael D. Higgins, at this link. All proceeds go to the work of the Samaritans.