Retired Irish broadcaster Charlie Chicken claimed he is humbled by the response to his charity mountain climb just after he attained the summit cheered on by family and buddies.
The ex-RTE main information correspondent, who was identified with motor neurone illness previous 12 months, established himself the aim of climbing to the major of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.
His challenge caught the creativeness of the community and thousands of folks concluded their very own ‘Climb with Charlie’ activities all about Eire and further more afield on Saturday. Climbs were organised as far absent as the US, Australia, South Africa and Spain.
The marketing campaign has now raised additional than a person million euro for the Irish Motor Neurone Condition Association and psychological well being charity Pieta.
Fowl, 72, raised his climbing stick in triumph as he achieved the prime.
Hundreds joined him on the Saturday morning climb up a mountain recognised as the Reek.
Among the them was the host of RTE’s flagship The Late Late Demonstrate Ryan Tubridy, singer Daniel O’Donnell and previous champion boxer Barry McGuigan.
Chicken was accompanied by his wife Claire and daughters Orla and Neasa.
“I am truly humbled and impressed that so quite a few countless numbers of people today took aspect in Climb with Charlie occasions across the environment,” he explained.
“I want to thank men and women all throughout the nation for their incredible help all through this journey.
“All of the generous donations will go to the two charities which are so close to my heart. It is an wonderful gesture of assistance for me and my spouse and children.
“Throughout this marketing campaign, we have experienced the assistance of so a lot of wonderful people today and organisations, and I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
“I would also like to specifically thank the Defence Forces, An Garda Siochana, Mayo Mountain Rescue, the Order of Malta and all our local volunteers for producing our climb now doable.”
Hen lit 5 candles in the compact chapel at the top of the mountain – a single for his good friend and large-profile campaigner for females battling cervical most cancers Vicky Phelan just one for every person identified with a terminal illness 1 for all those enduring mental health and fitness troubles just one for every person involved in the combat towards Covid-19 and a ultimate candle for the men and women of Ukraine.
Irish president Michael D Higgins was between people paying out tribute to Bird’s fortitude and dedication.
Hailing him as an inspiration, he claimed: “Charlie’s energy and dignity around the latest months has been a supply of true inspiration to folks throughout Ireland and beyond.”
In a tweet to Hen, Irish premier Micheal Martin additional: “Wonderful to see the funds lifted by your Croagh Patrick climb – I know the entire region is correct guiding you each action of the way!”
The Climb with Charlie fundraising web page will keep on being open up for donations for the upcoming 3 months. See www.climbwithcharlie.ie
