Charlie Bird thanks the people of Mayo for extending the hand of friendship
Charlie Bird has received a very warm and enthusiastic welcome during a visit to Castlebar today.
Accompanied by his partner Claire and their pet dog Tiger, they visited Dunnes Stores in the town to thank the management and staff for their support of the Climb with Charlie fundraising drive.
From today (Thursday) until Sunday, Dunnes Stores customers across Ireland are being asked to add an extra €2 to their shopping.
All donations will go straight to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House.
Charlie and Claire were met by store manager Padraig Felle who said the supermarket was honoured to support Charlie's wonderful fundraising efforts.
To date, over €866,600 has been raised for both causes and that is expected to exceed €1 million when Charlie, Claire and their family and friends climb Croagh Patrick on Saturday next.
Charlie took the opportunity of paying tribute to the people of Mayo for extending the hand of friendship to him since launching his Climb with Charlie event after an appearance on the Late, Late Show, during which he spoke about his battle with MND.
In a tweet today, he wrote: "With two days to go before the climb, we have now raised €850,000 and I think we will go beyond our target of €1 million.
"Thanks to everybody for extending the hand of friendship. I am overwhelmed over what is happening."
Many people approached him on the street and in the supermarket today to wish him every success in his Croagh Patrick climb.
He spoke to a man who told him that he and his friends had raised €14,000 for the two charities.
During his time in Castlebar, he also visited Guiney's Store where he was presented with a lovely jacket.
The store is hosting a special Climb With Charlie event, in association with Community Radio, Castlebar, on Saturday and everybody is welcome to attend.
Charlie has announced he will light five candles of hope when he reaches the summit of the Reek, one in honour of his great friend Vicky Phelan.
Top entertainer Daniel O'Donnell will sing a song of hope when Charlie's group reaches St. Patrick's Chapel on the top of the holy mountain.
Live footage from the climb will be broadcast on national television throughout the day while a special television documentary is also been made.
Nationwide, there are over 195 climbs taking place in support of Charlie Bird.
The following is the list of Mayo hikes:
Croagh Patrick, climbs at 5.30 a.m., 8.30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 noon.
Croagh Patrice, Ballina, at 11:05 a.m.
Castlebar Community Clean Up Walk for Charlie, Castlebar Leisure Complex Lough Lannagh Westport Road Castlebar, at 11 a.m.
Croaghmoyle, Glenisland, Castlebar (Booster Station) at 9.30 a.m.
'Knock It Off' & 'East Mayo Ramblers' Walking for Charlie, Sliabh Cairn, Kiltimagh, at 10 a.m.
St. Attracta's Residence Supporting Charlie, from St. Attracta's Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, at 3 p.m.