Ryan Tubridy reveals €2.5 m has been raised from Climb With Charlie charity event

The charity climb, which took place on Saturday April 2nd, was in aid of MND Ireland and Pieta House was led by former RTE Broadcaster Charlie Bird.

“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,” Ryan Tubridy said on his RTE Radio One show on Friday.

“And I can tell you, this is good news, they’ve reached €2.5million, which is knock out! Good on him!”

“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. But 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,” he said.

“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.”

Bird, who was inspired to create the challenge after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, was welcomed by applause and cheers from his fellow climbers at the peak of Croagh Patrick.

“I love every single one of you, I mean it,” he said. “Always extend the hand of friendship.”

“I am truly humbled and inspired that so many thousands of people took part in Climb with Charlie events across the world,” he added.

“I want to thank people all across the country for their incredible support throughout this journey,” Charlie said.

“All of the generous donations will go to the two charities which are so close to my heart. It is an amazing gesture of support for me and my family.

“Throughout this campaign, we have had the support of so many wonderful people and organisations, and I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart.

“I would also like to particularly thank the Defence Forces, An Garda Siochana, Mayo Mountain Rescue, the Order of Malta and all our local volunteers for making our climb today possible.”