Former Irish television broadcaster, Charlie Bird revealed he will be “using cutting edge technology” to help him communicate when he loses his voice. Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last October, the veteran journalist has spent his last few months “struggling” with his voice.
Taking to social media yesterday afternoon, Mr Bird gave followers an update on his health and revealed his voice is “almost gone”.
“Months of struggling with my voice it’s now almost gone. I am in the fortunate position, thanks to Keith Davey from Marino Software, using cutting edge technology, I will have a cloned voice soon. I want people with similar voice issues to get the same opportunity as me.”
Joined by his beloved dog, Tiger, Bird explains his situation before playing an example of his new “clone” voice. “My voice is getting worse and worse every day. I don't think Tiger can understand me now,” he said. The 72-year-old then proceeded with the clip of what his cloned voice will sound like when it becomes available in the coming days.
“Hi, I'm Charlie Bird. Last October, I was diagnosed with the terminal illness Motor Neurone Disease. A few weeks later in an interview with Ryan on the Late Late Show, he asked what my bucket list is, and I said I wanted to climb Croagh Patrick with some of my best pals. Within minutes, social media went mad offering to support me and that's how climbwithcharlie.ie was born.”
Unsatisfied with only raising awareness for motor neurone disease, Bird reveals his intentions are also to help those struggling with mental health issues.
“In this very difficult chapter of my life, I want people to reach out the hand of friendship to one another. Everyday people across this country are battling with their own mountains, with physical and mental issues. So, on Saturday April 2, I will climb Croagh Patrick in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House, two charities close to my heart.
“Aside from raising essential funds, I want this campaign to encourage people across Ireland to climb a mountain in their own local area to raise funds and also to recognise the physical and mental mountains many people have to climb every single day.
“All money raised will be divided evenly between the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House, so please climb, climb, climb and reach out the hand of friendship. Thanks, and stay safe.”
Concluding his video with a message of “stay safe”, Bird said his voice will soon be on the device “in a few days”. On a recent trip to Clondalkin’s Monastery Preschool with Tiger, the pair were greeted by cheering children. The public are rallying behind Charlie in his charitable climb bid, with one child raising a sign reading; “Go Charlie, Go!”
