Ryan Tubridy has revealed the fantastic news that the #ClimbWithCharlie fundraiser has reached an incredible €2.5 million for the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association and Pieta House.
The hike up Croagh Patrick, which took place last weekend was originally just planned for RTÉ Charlie Bird to take on alongside Ryan Tubridy and Vicky Phelan after he revealed he had been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease on the Late Late Show last year.
However, the event quickly caught the attention of the public, with people taking part in hikes all across the country to help raise vital funds for the two charities.
Soon after the fundraising gained momentum, it quickly overtook estimates of what they thought it would raise and this week Ryan Tubridy shared that they have since surpassed the incredible figure of €2.5 million.
Speaking on his RTÉ radio show Ryan said; “I got the loveliest text message from Charlie Bird this morning and I can tell you he’s a happy man in the sense that what happened at the weekend was quite remarkable.”
“And I can tell you – this is good news – they’ve reached €2.5million, which is knock out! Good on him!”
View this post on Instagram
Continuing he shared that it was an incredible and emotional experience taking part in the event; “It’s a special place, it’s Croagh Patrick and it has its reasons, it probably emits some sense of spirituality perhaps if that’s your thing. mBut you can certainly see – as somebody who likes to observe humanity in all its glory – you could see it there in a very beautiful way.”
“The sun came out and then very quickly the sun went away and the cold rain came down to remind us how human we are and that didn’t last too long to be honest with you because then the sun came out again.”
“By the time we all made our way to the top of the Reek, the sun was shining, the Clew Bay Pipe band started to play and Daniel, Charlie and myself gathered around his family, Claire, his daughters and his grandchildren,” he added.
A huge congratulations to Charlie and all involved in the event and the incredible amount they have raised for charity.
