Charlie Bird’s wife Claire admitted she “threw a runner” at the retired broadcaster when he told her where he wanted to be buried.
The former RTE correspondent, who is battling motor neurone disease, previously revealed he wants to be laid to rest on the island of Inis Oirr. And now Claire said she will lay alongside him when her time comes – but she admitted her first reaction to his plans came as a surprise.
She told the RTE Guide: “The first time Bird brought me here I think I threw a runner at his head. I can’t remember why, but I’m sure he deserved it. I love the island.
“It is so beautiful, there really is no place like it on this planet. The far side of the island is so stunning but few tourists really walk this far.
Read more: Charlie Bird thanks supporters for helping him fulfil bucket list
“We spent many a holiday lazing on the rocks at the far side of the island, hoping to see Hy Brazil. Now we are both going to be buried here and what better place than Inis Oirr as our final resting place?
“Life is so precious and we do try to live every moment – but that never really happens. It’s about survival and trying to keep both of our heads above water.”
“We were always very free-spirited before all this happened, travelling around the world, always having adventures. Now we live every day as it comes and yes some are better than others.”
Charlie also wanted to apologise to wheelchair users, admitting when he was first given his terminal diagnosis, he was adamant he would not end up in one. He said: “For me what I am facing is a nightmare.
“MND is going to affect all my limbs and there is nothing I can do about that. I can’t change what is coming for me, but, I mean this while I have a single breath in my body, I am going to continue to help raise awareness for different groups.
“I also said when I got my diagnosis I didn’t want to end up in a wheelchair. But every day when I am out and about, I see people in wheelchairs, and I get guilty and upset at my initial reaction and what I said.
“In this life, none of us knows what might be around the corner and I am facing up to the reality of my situation."
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
