Charlie Bird says he 'cries every day' as Climb With Charlie campaign raises €750K

The former RTÉ broadcaster, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, took to Twitter to share an update on his Climb With Charlie fundraiser.

The 72-year-old is gearing up to climb Croagh Patrick with his family, friends, and supporters on April 2nd to raise money for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House.

At least 155 separate fundraising climbs will take place across the country this week and Charlie revealed that the campaign has raised €750,000 ahead of the official climb this Saturday.

In a tweet, Charlie wrote: “We are just days away from Climbwithcharlie on Saturday. We have already raised three quarters of a million euro.

“Every day I cry now. I have been told it is one of the symptoms of my MND. But much of the tears are because of the love I am feeling from everyone across the country.”

Charlie’s followers were moved by his emotional message, with many flooding the replies with words of support and encouragement.

One person said: “Charlie - your courage and enthusiasm is simply amazing and inspiring. Thank you from Lancashire, U.K. ...we’ll be thinking of you and all the good that’s coming from this! Keep going !”

Another wrote: “Very best of luck on Sat, Charlie. You’ve achieved so much already. It’s ok to cry. The road you are on is a very difficult one.

"Showing emotion is natural. You were always a passionate emotional straight talking journalist. That’s what we all love about you. You’ve got this!”

Another added: “It's so great to bring communities together in such a positive way. A huge thanks to everyone for contributing efforts and friendship.

"And huge thanks to Charlie Bird, you've always been an inspiration in the community.”