'I am truly humbled' - Charlie Bird and company reach Croagh Patrick summit

The people of Ireland have shown the former broadcaster, much like his friend Vicky Phelan, that they are with him every step of the way

Charlie Bird at the summit of Croagh Patrick  pictured with Ryan Turbridy and singer Daniel O'Donnell. Picture: Michael Mc Laughlin/Photo: RollingNews.ie

Veteran broadcaster Charlie Bird said he was 'truly humbled' as he and his fellow climbers reached the summit of Croagh Patrick this morning. 

He went on to thank people all across the country for their support throughout this journey. 

More than 200 separate climbs from Malin Head to Baltimore took place across the island on Saturday in support of Charlie's cause. Climbs were also organised as far away as the US, Australia, South Africa and Spain.

He was accompanied on the climb by his wife Claire and daughters Orla and Neasa as well as his grandchildren.

Charlie Bird with his wife, Claire Mould, and their grandkids after they lit five candles in the church on the summit of Croagh Patrick. Picture: Conor McKeown

"All of the generous donations will go to the two charities which are so close to my heart," he said.

So far, over €1.5 million has been raised for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta, Ireland’s national suicide prevention charity.

Starting early this morning, Bird brought hundreds of hikers, including former President Mary McAleese, country singer Daniel O'Donnell, Wexford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald, architect Dermot Bannon and RTÉ broadcaster Ryan Tubridy to the summit shortly before 12.30pm.

Once there, he made a speech to his supporters in the small chapel at the summit. 

He also lit five candles; one for his great friend Vicky Phelan, one for everyone suffering a terminal illness, one for everyone in a dark place with their mental health, one for everyone involved in the fight against Covid and one for the people of Ukraine.

Charlie Bird led hundreds of hikers, including former President Mary McAleese, country singer Daniel O'Donnell, Wexford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald, architect Dermot Bannon and RTÉ broadcaster Ryan Tubridy to the summit shortly before 12.30pm. Picture: Michael Mc Laughlin/Photo: RollingNews.ie

Though the broadcaster’s natural voice is almost gone entirely, but he expresses himself via an app created by Irish company Marino Software that allows him to type what he wants to say and repeats it aloud in a cloned version of his own voice.

“I am truly humbled and inspired that so many thousands of people took part in Climb with Charlie events across the world," he said after the climb.

⁦@charliebird49⁩ has reached the top of Croagh Patrick!! Go #climmbwithcharlie #mnd ⁦@IMNDA⁩ ⁦@PietaHouse⁩ pic.twitter.com/0bFlTQEvbw

— ClimbWithCharlie (@climb_charlie) April 2, 2022

"Our campaign is still accepting donations on climbwithcharlie.ie and I would urge everyone to donate what they can to support the amazing work the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta do on a daily basis. 

Throughout this campaign we have had the support of so many wonderful people and organizations, and I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. 

"I would also like to particularly thank the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, Mayo Mountain Rescue, the Order of Malta and all our local volunteers for making our climb today possible.” 

Claire Mould and Charlie Bird after reaching the summit of Croagh Patrick. Picture: Conor McKeown

President Michael D Higgins was among those paying tribute to Bird’s fortitude and determination.

Hailing him as an inspiration, he said: “Charlie’s strength and dignity over recent months has been a source of true inspiration to people across Ireland and beyond.” In a tweet to Bird, Taoiseach Micheál Martin added: “Wonderful to see the money raised by your Croagh Patrick climb – I know the whole country is right behind you every step of the way!”

Battle with motor neuron disease

Seven months ago, Mr Bird shared with his Twitter followers that he had been experiencing “major issues” with his speech.

“Despite a series of tests still don’t know what is going on,” he tweeted on September 24 of last year.

A few weeks later, the former RTÉ broadcaster announced he had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND).

In the months that have followed, the 72-year-old has admitted he has been moved to tears on many occasions.

"I will soon be dead," he told the RTÉ Guide in December, "I won’t see my grandkids grow up."

“On the dark days, and there are dark days, I cry and I wish I didn’t. I feel embarrassed with people sitting opposite me but I can’t help it.

“But the messages of support and goodwill lift me," he said.

Charlie Bird was inundated with support ahead of the climb 

Along with the cards, letters and mass cards that arrive at Charlie's home in Ashford Co Wicklow, there have been drawings, even songs — first from Bono, later Michael English and Bird’s former RTÉ colleagues — dedicated in his honour. The people of Ireland have shown him, much like his friend Vicky Phelan, that they are with him every step of the way.