Ex-broadcaster Charlie Bird has said he is “honoured” to receive the Freedom of Wicklow – but admitted he feels like he is in a “dark place”.
The veteran RTE journalist – who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year – was honoured on Monday night, joining the list of other luminaries including Academy Award winner Daniel Day Lewis and Katie Taylor, after he raised nearly €3.4million with his recent climb of Croagh Patrick in Mayo for the charity.
But Charlie said that although he was delighted with the award, he feels like he is in a dark place because of his terminal diagnosis.
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He said on Twitter: “I want to say I accepted this award on behalf of everyone who supported Climb with Charlie. All of you out there are the true heroes of Climb with Charlie.
“Last night (Monday) was a most memorable one for me, one that I will not forget as long as I am alive. I just wish I could personally honour the thousands and thousands of people who made Climb with Charlie the success it was. All of you are the real heroes.”
Mr Bird – alongside his dog Tiger who sat on his lap - thanked Wicklow County Council staff for such a memorable evening, one he said he “will not forget for as long as I’m still alive”.
“Indeed I want to thank all the people of Co Wicklow whose name this honour was bestowed on me and those who made the evening so memorable, my family, my close friends who were all there to partake in the celebration.”
He was given the beautiful bronze work of art which was commissioned for him and made by Michael Calnan at The Forge and Russborough House in west Wicklow.
“I have to be very honest I cried a lot during much of the ceremony but this is harsh reality and one of the side effects of my terminal illness. But I want to say I’m not the only one in this situation. Yes, I’m in a dark place, but I’m not the only one, so as long as I can I want to live and extend the hand of friendship to everyone who is in a dark place,” he added.
Mr Bird said he was “deeply honoured to be following in the footsteps of Daniel Day Lewis and the great Katie Taylor”.
The Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Councillor Tommy Annesley, commended Charlie for his “tireless fundraising work”, adding: “It is clear the impact you have had on so many and it’s fitting that we bestow this honour on you today.”
Bird was also presented with a Commemoration Piece that was created by west Wicklow based artist and blacksmith Michael Calnan of Calnan & Anhoj, forge and gallery, Russborough House, Blessington.
The sculpture is said to be symbolic of Bird’s career in media, his personal connection to Wicklow, and “the great physical and moral courage that he’s shown throughout his life and career”.
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