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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Dan Grennan

RTE Late Late Show: Viewers praise 'inspiration' Charlie Bird as he 'comes to terms' with terminal disease

Late Late Show viewers were all praising "inspiration" Charlie Bird after his latest appearance on the iconic Friday night show.

The former RTE journalist was diagnosed with motor neurone's disease in 2021 and has kept the public informed of his highs and lows in his life since that day. In his latest appearance, Charlie told Ryan he "fully understands" what lies ahead of him.

He said: "The truth is I have finally come to terms with my illness. In my head, I have come to terms fully with my situation. I understand there is no silver bullet, and I have just got to get on with my life. In other words, I fully understand what is ahead of me.

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"If I'm really lucky, I may survive another year," he added. Viewers were enamoured with Charlie's bravery in the face of his mortality.

Senator Lynn Ruane wrote on twitter: "Charlie Bird is an example of everything we need to know about how to face into a future we didn’t expect or plan for." Another viewer said: "Charlie Bird is so inspiring."

A third twitter users wrote: "Such a cruel disease MND ..to lose your voice after being the voice of the news!" A fourth said: "Isn’t Charlie Bird just phenomenal. Wonderful to see him in good spirits and still finding a way to tell a story."

Charlie became a household name after he made the brave decision to go public with his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis and use his public persona to raise funds for charities. The Climb With Charlie was an initiative set up by the RTE star following his terminal diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease in November 2021 to help and show support for everyone who has to climb their own physical and mental mountains in their daily lives.

The fundraiser quickly grabbed the hearts of the nation, with people from every corner of the country eager to extend the friend of friendship. Charlie was even awarded the Freedom of County Wicklow after he raised €3 million for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House.

He is only the third person ever to be bestowed with the honour. Boxer Katie Taylor was given the Freedom of County Wicklow in 2011, and actor Daniel Day-Lewis was the first person to be conferred in 2009.

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