Charlie Bird thankful to get to celebrate another Christmas
Christmas This Picture: Year Stephen Bird Said He Collins/collins Charlie Expect Not To See Did
Broadcaster and journalist Charlie Bird, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021, has expressed gratitude for the blessing of being closer to celebrating a Christmas, which he admits he did not expect to see this time last year.
Posting on X, Mr Bird acknowledged changes in his health while thanking the public for all of the love and kindness shown towards him.
This time last year I said I didn’t think I would see this Christmas. Thankfully I am still around and that is because of the support and kindness I have received from people all around the country.Yes my health has changed dramatically. I am wheelchair dependent now and tube fed
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) December 11, 2023
“Thankfully I am still around and that is because of the support of kindness I have received from people all around the country. Yes my health has changed dramatically, I am wheelchair-dependent and tube fed.”
Last week, the 74-year-old joined English rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield as he completed the Dublin leg of a marathon challenge in aid of motor neurone disease.
The retired RTÉ journalist is continuing to highlight the work of organisations close to his heart such as Pieta, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, the Hospice and Samaritans for whom he has raised several million euro through various fundraisers — including his scaling of Croagh Patrick as part of "Climb with Charlie".
He now communicates with a pen and notebook and a bespoke app created by Marino software.
His wife, Claire, previously told Newstalk her husband keeps himself up to date with world events in spite of his ailing health.
“Even though Charlie can’t speak, he still writes, he’ll still rant, he’ll still listen to the news, watch Channel 4 News, BBC, RTÉ, reads every single paper.”
In the same interview Mr Bird told Newstalk presenter Sean Moncrieff that his “dying wish” was for “peace to remain on this island".