Charlie Bird shares project that is helping him to “keep going”

Earlier this month, Charlie Bird shared a heartbreaking health update confirming that his Motor Neurone Disease had “taken a turn for the worst”.

Now he has shared the beautiful and important project that has been “helping him to keep going”.

The former RTÉ broadcaster has gotten involved in the Elephant in the Room mental health project.

The project is trying to help raise awareness about mental health.

The Elephant in the Room sees beautifully decorated elephants pop up around Ireland.

“The concept is to produce a series of professionally sculptured white baby elephants of approximately 4 feet in height and length,” the website explains which will highlight the mental health.

Charlie shared a clip of himself alongside the first elephant that appeared which is dedicated to Charlie and the Samaritans.

“Please please spread the word about the Elephant in the room project. It is all about mental health,” he wrote alongside the video.

“I was so honoured that President Michael D signed the Elephant for the Samaritans and for me. There will be twenty elephants and hopefully this project will raise lots of money.”

The beautiful elephant is designed to highlight Charlie’s life, as it includes a portrait of him and his wife, Claire as well as a rainbow to celebrate his work highlighting LGBTQ+ rights.

It also pays tribute to Charlie’s dog Tiger with a striped tiger tail.

There are also positive slogans across the elephant to promote The Samitarians.

In the video, Charlie says: “The Elephant in the Room project has been the creation of the lovely Brent Pope, who I had got to know just before my diagnosis of a terminal illness.

“And I have been honoured the first elephant has been for me and the Samaritans.”

“The great Niall O’Loughlin has been the person who created the artwork for the first elephant in my name, and the Samaritans will be bringing this elephant around the country.

“You need to spot the creative artwork, who and what it represents.”

He went on to share a second video urging people to get involved and help to raise money for mental health charities across Ireland.

“The second elephant has the signatures of all members of the Irish International rugby team,” he wrote.

“What a great idea from Brent and the purpose of this idea is to raise money to help people in dark places. This project is also helping me to keep going. Lots of love.”