“I’m really struggling right now,” said Charlie Byrd, thanking everyone who extended a hand of friendship.
The former journalist, who was diagnosed with motor neuron disease last year, didn’t expect to see another birthday when he received his terminal diagnosis, but defiantly declared he would.
Byrd said he is looking forward to Christmas and Bruce Springsteen coming to Ireland next year.
“I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me for their friendship. I am really struggling mentally right now.
“Last year at this time, I never thought I would be celebrating my 73rd birthday, but I am just over a week away from it.
“Roll on Christmas and Bluesie. Thank you everyone, love is great,” Byrd said on Twitter.
Charlie recently said that the kindness of the strangers he met brought him to tears, but it was tears of joy.
“Sometimes I wish I had my camera with me. Claire, Tiger and I are taking a break, but wherever we go the kindness shown by strangers is amazing and sometimes it makes me cry, “It’s tears of joy. Hands of friendship are outstretched to me everywhere,” said the former RTÉ news correspondent.
Byrd’s charity, Climb With Charlie, has so far raised over €3.2 million for the Irish Motor Neurological Disorders Association and Pieta House.
Despite his illness, Charlie climbed Croagh Patrick earlier this year with hundreds of others to raise awareness and funds for those suffering from terminal illness and those in a dark place mentally. was collected.
A book entitled “Climb With Charlie” has also been published, containing dozens of photographs of his April 2 ascent, and is described as “a delightful chronicle of that unforgettable and moving day.” Yes, dedication, generosity and the admiration of the community.”
