Tens of thousands of people are set to climb their local mountains today to support Charlie Bird’s Croagh Patrick climb – as he smashes his €1million goal.
Brave Charlie will scale the peak to drum up funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House.
The 72-year-old, who was diagnosed with the condition, will begin his ascent after 9.30am and hopes to reach the summit around 1pm.
Read more: RTE Late Late Show viewers 'bawling' and in awe of 'inspirational' Charlie Bird
The former RTE reporter – who has planned the climb since first revealing his diagnosis back in October – will then light a candle at the church on top of the Co Mayo mountain before making his descent.
As many as 212 different climbs with 1,333 various fundraisers across the country will take place as thousands take part in the nationwide challenge.
Charlie will climb with his friends and family including RTE star Ryan Tubridy, presenter Baz Ashmawy and Donegal crooner Daniel O’Donnell.
Tubs said on his show yesterday: “The bags are packed and we are pretty much 25 hours away from the start of a wonderful adventure.
“There is a great sense of solidarity in the country and all for the right reasons.” Ahead of Charlie’s climb, many of his former colleagues at RTE wished him well.
Katie Hannon, who filled in for Joe Duffy on Liveline this week, said: “The very, very best of luck to Charlie Bird and Claire and Tiger and everybody who is off tomorrow doing that climb with Charlie for a very good cause.”
And Charlie thanked everyone across the country “and in many places around the world” for taking part.
He said: “I think we are now going to go beyond our target of raising €1million for our two great charities.
“Everyone who is supporting Climb with Charlie is extending the hand of friendship.
“Everyone will be able to donate while watching The Late Late Show and at the tills in every Dunnes Stores across the country.”
Meanwhile, cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan – who was due to climb but had to withdraw due to a deterioration in her health – said her family will be there for her instead.
She added: “The big climb with Charlie is going ahead and I just wanted to wish everyone the very best of luck. I’m so disappointed that I can’t go, but a number of my family are heading up to Westport to do the climb, my parents, my sister, two of my brothers, and some of my nieces [and] nephews on my behalf. I would love to be there.”
The mum-of-two explained that her ability to walk is still affected after her tough treatment regime.
She added: “I’m nearly there, but I’m not quite there yet. My walking is still quite limited and my back is still causing me a quite a bit of pain. I just couldn’t take the chance of heading to Westport this weekend.”
- The climb will be streamed live on eventfm.ie/climb-with-charlie/ for those who cannot take part.
Read more: Vicky Phelan wishes Charlie Bird well in touching video ahead of charity climb
Read more: Charlie Bird 'lives for everyday' as he fears this will be his last Christmas
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