Charlie joined Brackloon pupils for Daily Mile ahead of climb

THE pupils of Brackloon National School took to the ancient Tóchar Phádraig pilgrim path to cheer on Charlie Bird on Croagh Patrick on Saturday.

The previous Thursday, Charlie Bird, his wife Claire and their dog, Tiger, visited the Westport school to participate in the Daily Mile with the children who were training to climb Croagh Patrick for the Climb With Charlie challenge.

Afterwards the children presented Charlie with cards from each class to show their love and support in his big challenge.

And Charlie presented the school with two signed photos from his expedition to the South Pole, a documentary he made with his great friend John Murray, a parent from Brackloon NS. John's son Rian is in senior infants at Brackloon NS and climbed with Charlie and his family on Saturday.

The children learned about Motor Neurone Disease during the week as pupil Matthew O'Raghallaigh gave a presentation to each class to raise awareness of the disease amongst the school community.

On Saturday, a 60 plus delegation of pupils and parents set out on the ancient Tóchar Phádraig pilgrim path from Taobhnacroagha to the first station to welcome Charlie and give him a boost as he faced into the last section of his ascent to the summit.

On a great day of mixed emotions for everyone, Charlie shone a light of hope in everyone's heart.

Donate

The school also set up a fundraising page on iDonate to raise funds for Charlie's nominated charities – https://www.idonate.ie/event/3509_climb-with-charlie-in-association-with-brackloon-nation-school.html.

The Brackloon NS Climb with Charlie iDonate page remains open until Friday, April 8, if anyone would like to support their fundraiser. All monies raised will go to Charlie's two nominated charities - Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.