Charlie Bird reaches out to 'everybody' on Croagh Patrick climb

CHARLIE Bird will be lighting a candle for everybody who has a terminal illness, for everybody in the country who has gone through the pandemic, and for all who are in a dark place when he climbs to the church on the summit of Croagh Patrick in April.

We have to 'reach out to everybody' he told last night's Late Late Show where he launched his Climb With Charlie event, which takes place on April 2.

The RTÉ veteran also spoke about the warm welcome he has received in Mayo since voicing his hopes to climb Croagh Patrick.

Fr. Charlie McDonnell, Adm., Westport, had welcomed him 'with open arms', as had the people of Westport and Murrisk, offering their help, he said.

Fr. McDonnell met with Charlie, his wife Claire and dog Tiger in Westport. He shared on his Facebook page: “Was lovely to spend time with them over their few days in Westport. Every blessing to them in the weeks and months ahead and to all in need of healing love and peace at this time. Beannachtaí.”

Charlie told presenter Ryan Tubridy how he has found peace since appearing on the show in December to speak about his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis.

Charlie and Vicky Phelan are climbing the Reek, with a support crew that includes family, friends and media colleagues, to raise funds for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. They hope to raise money for the charities and also to shine a light of hope for people suffering with terminal illness or thoughts of suicide and self-harm.

With the whole country offering to climb the Reek with Charlie, the event will be Covid compliant and is being spread out nationally and indeed globally with people urged to climb a mountain or a hill in their area on the day.

Full details are on https://www.climbwithcharlie.ie/.

The Clew Bay Pipe Band opened last night's Late Late Show and they are rowing in behind the climb, seeing Charlie and Vicky off on their journey up Croagh Patrick on April 2.