Murrisk community to honour Charlie Bird with permanent stone
Former RTÉ broadcaster says his disease has 'taken a bad turn'
THE community of Murrisk are to honour Charlie Bird by unveiling a permanent stone in their village this Saturday.
The former RTÉ broadcaster won the hearts of the nation last year when he climbed Croagh Patrick, raising over €3.6 million for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
Thousands of other people raised money with similar walks and climbs across the world as part of the ‘Climb With Charlie’, which took place on April 2.
His physical health has deteriorated recently because of his Motor Neurone Disease (MND), which has left him unable to speak, wheelchair-bound and requiring tube-feeding.
Mr Bird was diagnosed with the condition last year and has since lent his support to various charities and causes.
He recently acknowledged that his disease had ‘taken a bad turn’.
A recent academic study found that his campaigning has had an ‘unquestionable impact’ on the level of awareness around MND.