Former RTE journalist Charlie Bird says he is facing his "biggest challenge yet" as he shares a heartbreaking update about his health.
The 72-year-old revealed he was 'lucky' to have been able to climb Croagh Patrick last month as his health has since deteriorated.
The veteran broadcaster was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year and set himself the goal of hiking to the top of Croagh Patrick despite having lost his voice.
Read more: Charlie Bird requests public to send ClimbWithCharlie photos for new book
However, he revealed that he is now struggling to swallow and is eating is turning into a "nightmare".
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday evening, Charlie wrote: "I am lucky I was able to climb Croagh Patrick. But with my voice gone I am now facing my biggest challenge yet.
"My swallow is getting worse. Sitting down now to eat is turning into a nightmare!
"But I can still extend the hand of friendship to everyone. Thanks for your support."
Since being diagnosed last October, Charlie has lost his voice but is still able to communicate using voice technology.
He can type his message into an app, which then broadcast the words in Charlie's own voice and accent using voice clips from the RTE archive.
On April 2, the retired RTE star was joined by thousands, including Ryan Tubridy and Daniel O’Donnell, as he climbed the Mayo mountain – and said he cried “tears of joy” when he reached the top.
The Climb With Charlie challenge has raised over €2.7 million for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House..
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