Broadcaster Charlie Bird receives worldwide honour for Climb with Charlie campaign

IN A HEARTFELT ceremony at the Taoiseach's office in Government Buildings, Leo Varadkar TD presented the World Public Relations and Communications Award to Ireland's beloved broadcaster, Charlie Bird, and his friend and Public Relations professional, Paul Allen.

The award was in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the Climb with Charlie campaign, which has captured the hearts of people around the world.

The campaign, initially aimed at raising €1 million, surpassed all expectations by amassing a remarkable €3.6 million for two noble causes: the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental health charity Pieta.

This remarkable initiative was born out of Charlie Bird's own experience with Motor Neurone Disease, with the goal of providing support to individuals grappling with terminal illnesses and those battling mental health issues.

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, lauded Charlie Bird's dedication and the impact of the campaign, saying, "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."

Global recognition came in the form of the Best Not-For-Profit Award at this year's Global Awards, which saw the Climb with Charlie campaign shine brightly among a competitive field.

The award was bestowed upon the campaign by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, an organisation representing over 360,000 public relations practitioners and academics across 126 countries worldwide.

Professor Justin Green, president and CEO of the Global Alliance, who was present at the ceremony, praised the campaign's global significance, stating: "The Best-Not-For-Profit category was particularly tough. To be the only Irish PR entry to have been shortlisted and to go on to win is an amazing world achievement for the Irish PR profession.

"The Climb with Charlie campaign is one that is held very close to the people of Ireland. Charlie's enigmatic reporting style won the hearts of the Irish people over the years. This campaign has justifiably now won global recognition and cemented Ireland in the history of world Public Relations."

The heartfelt initiative was orchestrated by Paul Allen and his firm, Paul Allen and Associates, who served as the lead organisers and communications team behind the campaign. Paul Allen, a longtime friend of Charlie Bird from their shared time in the RTÉ newsroom, expressed his gratitude, saying: "The team and I are extremely humbled to be a part of this campaign. After 30 years in business, what better way was to volunteer our time and professional services.

"Charlie's passion ignited a nation, and this award signifies just that."