IN THE WORLD of journalism, there are these whose influence goes past the tales they inform. Their legacy isn’t just within the phrases they write, the content material they create or the best way they current on display, however within the causes they struggle for and the lives they contact.
Charlie Bird, whose title grew to become synonymous with braveness, kindness and steely willpower, was considered one of these folks.
As we bid farewell to him this week with heavy hearts, we replicate on his profound contribution to elevating consciousness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), not solely in Ireland however the world over.
Charlie Bird’s spectacular profession spanned a long time, throughout which he coated a number of the most vital occasions in Irish and worldwide historical past. Yet, it was his private battle with MND that will change into the defining narrative of his later years.
Determination
On a darkish and chilly 7 January 2022, Charlie Bird and his spouse Claire appeared on the Late Late Show and declared their intention of climbing Croagh Patrick in assist of IMNDA and Pieta. What started as a pair’s sheer drive to undertake a private problem with household and mates, grew to become some of the profitable fundraising campaigns ever undertaken for MND.
Climb with Charlie. Retired RTÉ broadcaster Charlie Bird along with his spouse Claire as he climbed Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.
Hundreds of climbs and walks have been organised in all elements of Ireland with extra occasions scheduled throughout Europe and past. It was indubitably, an exceptional response to Charlie’s plea for assist to his trigger that was as he repeated so typically “so close to his heart”.
“Climb with Charlie” raised over €3.6 million for IMNDA and Pieta. The funds raised for the IMNDA went straight in direction of supporting these affected by MND and have been aptly named the “Charlie Bird Development Fund”.
What a legacy
Our deepest appreciation will endlessly go to Charlie Bird and Claire, for his or her work in creating this exceptional fund that has gone and continues to go such a good distance in bettering the lives of these residing with MND.
What they achieved in elevating these vital funds is unimaginable however much more considerably they succeeded in elevating the extent of consciousness of MND itself, its results on the thoughts and the physique, in addition to the big challenges confronted by households that navigate this journey on daily basis.
For those that knew Charlie, the style wherein he selected to confront the illness head-on was in all probability unsurprising. He turned his personal battle right into a platform for advocacy and consciousness. His determination to share his journey with the world was courageous and positively impressed numerous others going through related challenges.
Through documentaries, interviews and candid conversations, Charlie was persistent in highlighting MND, exposing its devastating results on each people and their households but in addition in doing so made different households in the identical scenario really feel they weren’t alone. He helped break down obstacles and fostered a higher understanding of the illness throughout the broader group.
Charlie raised giant quantities of money for IMNDA and Pieta. IMNDA
IMNDA
Perhaps most vital to Charlie, was his unwavering dedication to “extend the hand of friendship” to every person he met alongside the best way who have been combating their very own battles. He received the assist of so many individuals in all walks of life, simply by being himself.
One of Charlie’s most enduring legacies is his tireless advocacy for elevated funding and analysis into MND. He recognised the pressing want for developments in therapy and care, and he was relentless in his efforts to result in change. He requested {that a} portion of the funds raised by means of Climb With Charlie go in direction of analysis, and we in fact honoured that dedication to Charlie.
Charlie on Croagh Patrick with Ryan Tubridy and Daniel O’Donnell.
Following on from the very transferring Celebration of his life this week, he would need this time to proceed to be considered one of celebration. We ought to have fun the profound influence he had on the MND group and past. His legacy lies not solely within the consciousness he raised however within the many lives he touched alongside the best way.
Charlie Bird’s funeral took place immediately on the Mansion House in Dublin.
My ideas stay with Charlie’s spouse Claire, kids Neasa and Orla, his grandchildren and naturally his beloved canine Tiger.
The world has misplaced an actual hero, however his struggle for a brighter future for the MND group will proceed.
Rest in peace, Charlie Bird.
Lillian McGovern is CEO of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). She joined IMNDA in 2021 having labored at a senior stage within the voluntary sector for the final twenty-five years in Ireland.
