Since Charlie Bird revealed his Motor Neuron disease diagnosis last year he has been incredibly candid as he navigates his way through the many symptoms.
One of the biggest impacts the disease is having on Charlie, is on the broadcaster’s voice. The RTE presenter shared a video to Twitter this week, which is a few years old, in which he sings with his dog, Tiger. Captioning the video he said; “In a way it is a stark reminder of how far I have now travelled.”
“Today my voice is almost gone. But thankfully Tiger can still sing. I will still be climbing Croagh Patrick on April 2nd.”
Someone found this on Twitter recently . I put it up a few years ago..In a way it is a stark reminder of how far I have now traveled..Today my voice is almost gone. But thankfully Tiger can still sing. I will still be climbing Croagh Patrick on April 2nd. https://t.co/TCqkcU5vLo pic.twitter.com/5U9DVdL7ts
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) January 25, 2022
Charlie first shared his diagnosis in October of last year, and has been inundated with support since. Announcing the news on Twitter he wrote; “Recently I spoke about issues with my voice. I now know why. I have been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.”
“Thanks to all my pals for their amazing support. And the kindness from so many people. Stay safe everyone.”
Since then he has appeared on the Late Late Show to discuss his diagnosis and has vowed to climb Croagh Patrick this year alongside some other well known faces. Ryan Tubridy and Vicky Phelan have both committed to the climb as has country crooner, Daniel O’Donnell.
Living with a motorneuron disease, Charlie explained to Ryan on the showwhat his day-to-day looks like, and the mental strain he often feels under.
“When I wake up in the morning and I’m lying in my bed, I think for one moment maybe this is all a dream. Then when I talk to Claire, or Tiger the dog, I realise I’m living this nightmare,” he explained.
This resonated with Vicky Phelan, and the campaigner reached out to Charlie to commend his brave words; “You were so vulnerable sharing so openly the terror of living with a disease that you know is going to take everything from you – your voice, your swallow, your mobility…yet your love of life, family and friends shone through. I have no doubt that you brought comfort to so many.”
