Charlie Bird has thanked fans for an ‘amazing gesture of support’ at Bono’s book launch on Monday night.
The veteran journalist, who’s raised millions of euro for various charities following his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis last year, was one of the invited guests at the launch of Bono’s memoir Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story — alongside the U2 frontman’s bandmate Adam Clayton, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, Charlie tweeted that he thoroughly enjoyed the show, but was also blown away by a gesture of support that audience members appeared to give before the show.
Myself and Claire were among the invited guests at Bono’s amazing performance at the Olympia last night. Wow what a show. I also want to thank the audience for their amazing gesture of support for me. Honestly it made me cry,but they were tiers of joy. Thank you. Xxxx
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) November 22, 2022
‘Myself and Claire were among the invited guests at Bono’s amazing performance at the Olympia last night,’ Charlie wrote. ‘Wow what a show. I also want to thank the audience for their amazing gesture of support for me. Honestly it made me cry, but they were tears of joy. Thank you. Xxxx.’
Bono took to the stage at the 3Olympia Theatre on Monday night, but wasn’t there in the capacity we’re used to seeing him — promoting and telling stories from his book, which provides details of his life that haven’t been shared before.
Bono was on stage to discuss some of the book’s chapters — all 40 of which were named after a U2 song — while also performing some of his songs throughout his long career.
As for Charlie, he recently provided fans with a heartbreaking update on his Motor Neurone Disease while promoting his awareness campaign with Samaritans Ireland, which took place on Saturday.
Posting a video to his Twitter, he wrote; ‘Hi everyone, I have been honest about my illness, people seeing me out walking think I am doing well. But the harsh reality is my limbs are beginning to be affected now. But some incredible force is helping me to keep fighting on. And extending the hand of friendship is my goal.’
In the video, Charlie spoke of his admiration for the Samaritans, saying; ‘As long as I’m alive I want to continue extending the hand of friendship. On Friday, the 18th of November, I will be launching the awareness campaign for Samaritans in St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre.’
‘Yes, hopefully this campaign will raise money for them, but the real purpose is to raise awareness, to spread the word for the great job these volunteers do all around the country 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Their freephone number is 116 123, and if I could ask one more favour, could I ask that you pass this message on.
‘Finally, please, please everyone, extend the hand of friendship,’ Charlie added. ‘The kindness everyone has shown me has given me the purpose to keep battling on, and to continue extending the hand of friendship.’
Elsewhere, Charlie paid a heartbreaking tribute to CervicalCheck campaigner and close friend Vicky Phelan following her passing last Monday, saying that ‘my hero is gone.’
