Leo Varadkar presents Charlie Bird with a special award

Charlie Bird has been awarded for his 'Climb with Charlie' campaign

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has presented legendary Irish broadcaster Charlie Bird with an award for his 'Climb with Charlie' campaign that raised millions for charity.

The fundraising event was the only Irish PR entry to have been shortlisted in the Best-Not-For-Profit category at this year's World Public Relations and Communication Awards, before going on to win the prize.

Following his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease in 2021, Charlie made headlines for climbing Croagh Patrick in order to raise money for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The initial fundraising goal was €1 million though the campaign went on to raise over over €3.6 million.

Public relations professional and friend of Charlie’s, Paul Allen of Paul Allen and Associates, submitted the 'Climb with Charlie' entry for the awards ceremony.

The PR firm was the lead organiser and communications team behind the initiative.

After the win, the Taoiseach presented Charlie with the award in his office at Government Buildings earlier this month.

Speaking about the campaign, Varadkar said: “Charlie has touched the lives of so many people in Ireland who followed his trusted news coverage over the years.

"He has given so much to this nation and continues to do so, raising awareness of Motor Neuron Disease and money for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental health charity Pieta.

"Congratulations to Charlie, his wife Claire, their dog Tiger and the whole team behind the hugely successful ‘Climb with Charlie’ campaign on this well-deserved international award.”

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