A beautiful tribute.

Compiled by his wife Claire, Charlie Bird has just published a new coffee table book with the best photographs from the Climb With Charlie fundraiser that took place in April. Bird, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, climbed Croagh Patrick in support of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House. The fundraiser spread, and hundreds of people climbed the summit with Charlie to raise money and awareness. As well as that, thousands of people across Ireland – and even abroad – claimed other mountains and hills to also lend their support of the cause. The new coffee table book Climb With Charlie compiles the best photographs from all the climbs, and will see all proceeds from sales of the book going to charity. Earlier this weekend the former RTÉ journalist spoke about the publication, commending his wife for taking on the mammoth task of collecting all the photographs from people who took part. "Claire, my wife, took on the role of tracking down all the photographers and all the photos from all around Ireland and abroad." He added: "To be honest, she was working day and night but, thanks to Claire, we finally made the deadline of getting all the photographs."

'Blown away' by the support

The 72-year-old also reveals he has been 'totally blown away' by the ongoing support for him and his cause, as his fundraising drive has raised more than €3.25m. "I keep repeating this - people tell me I'm inspirational, but I say it was the people who went out walking and climbing that were the real inspirations." He continues: "What was so beautiful was the community spirit on the day. Strangers fell into step with each other and walked and chatted together." On reaching the summit of Croagh Patrick, the climbers were serenaded by the Clew Bay Pipe Band. "It turned into a bit of a session, which had never been planned!" On Friday, Charlie gifted President Michael D Higgins a copy of the book, which is out now and priced €19. Climb With Charlie is available in bookshops, Dunnes Stores and Tesco - all author proceeds benefit Pieta House and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.