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.

Thanks Taoiseach for presenting the award,for climbwithcharlie.
It is for everyone across the country and abroad who supported climbwithcharlie. Again I want to extend the hand of friendship to everyone. I love you all and you are helping me to stay https://t.co/9EHTMbpybG pic.twitter.com/UxJp2vphFr

— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) November 8, 2023

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.”

READ MORE:

• Taylor Swift in tears as she pays tribute to fan who died
• Friends cast will reportedly reunite to honour Matthew Perry
• Maura Derrane returns to TV after her sister’s death
• Taylor Swift pays emotional tribute to late fan
• Girls Aloud fuel reunion rumours after singer drops major hint
• Gossip Girl actor Ed Westwick gives update on reboot with original cast
• A new season of Big Little Lies is reportedly in the works