A jubilant Charlie Bird reached the summit of Croagh Patrick yesterday and thanks to his efforts raised more than €1.7million for two leading charities.
The legendary broadcaster raised his climbing stick and waved to the crowd after he reached the top of the historic mountain.
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He told all those who had made the climb with him and his wife Claire that “something amazing” had happened since he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year.
The former RTE broadcaster climbed the Co Mayo mountain as part of his bid to raise money
for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.
He lit five candles on the summit – one for everyone who has a terminal illness; one for people who are in a dark place and climbing their own mountain every day; one for the people of Ukraine; one for Covid frontline workers and one for Limerick woman Vicky Phelan, who has cervical cancer.
Vicky Phelan could not make the climb yesterday but was being represented by 11 members of her family.
The retired former RTE chief news correspondent, who was diagnosed with disease last year, set himself the goal of hiking to the top of Croagh Patrick.
His challenge caught the imagination of the public and thousands of people completed their own “Climb with Charlie” events all over Ireland and as far away as the US, Australia, South Africa and Spain.
Among those who made the climb with Charlie in Co Mayo were Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy, singer Daniel O’Donnell and former champion boxer Barry McGuigan.
As well as his wife Claire, Charlie was accompanied by daughters Orla and Neasa and his grandchildren.
At the Croagh Patrick summit he said: “I am truly humbled and inspired that so many thousands of people took part in Climb with Charlie events across the world.
“I want to thank people all across the country for their incredible support throughout this journey.
All of the generous donations will go to the two charities which are so close to my heart. It is an amazing gesture of support for me and my family. Throughout this campaign, we have had the support of so many wonderful people and organisations.
“I would also like to particularly thank the Defence Forces, An Garda Siochana, Mayo
Mountain Rescue, the Order of Malta and all our local volunteers for making our climb today possible.”
President Michael D Higgins was among those paying tribute.
Hailing him as an inspiration, he said: “Charlie’s strength and dignity over recent months has been a source of true inspiration to people across Ireland and beyond.” And Taoiseach Micheal Martin tweeted: “Wonderful to see the money raised by your Croagh Patrick climb – I know the whole country is right behind you every step of the way!”
The Climb with Charlie fundraising page will remain open for donations for the next three months.
- To donate www.climbwithcharlie.ie.
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