Former RTÉ broadcaster and journalist Charlie Bird has died at the age of 74 following a long battle with motor neurone disease.
He was diagnosed in 2021, and since then he had become a campaigner for the disease where he focused on charity work and raising awareness of his condition.
On the 2nd of April 2022, he climbed Croagh Patrick as part of the ‘Climb with Charlie’ campaign, in which thousands of people climbed peaks around Ireland and the world.
The campaign raised over €3.6 million for Pieta House and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA)
He posted his final message on the social media platform ‘X’ (formally Twitter) on February 29th saying:
“I want to extend the hand of friendship to all carers across the country. I now have first hand experience of the valuable work they do.
“I am still hanging in. And in April I will be leading a walk in Wicklow for all Samaritan volunteers. Details to follow”
Since then his health had deteriorated and he passed away yesterday. He is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Orla and Nessa, grandchildren Abigail, Charlie, Edward, Harriet and Hugo, and his three brothers.
