A group who only know too well the devastating diagnosis Motor Neurone can bring are pulling together to support veteran RTÉ journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird.

DEVASTATING: Veteran RTÉ journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird received the devastating Motor Neurone diagnosis last October..

ROUTE: The route the walk will take on Saturday April 2 for the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone walk to support Charlie Bird.

Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone are organising a walk in Killarney National Park on Saturday April 2, in conjunction with the Charlie Bird Climb of Croagh Patrick on the same day.

Charlie, who was the voice of Irish television reporting for over four decades, made public his recent diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease last October.

"It was a devastating diagnosis for Charlie but soon afterwards he decided to do something for the plight of people living with the terrible disease," Christy Lehane, Chairperson of Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone, said.

"He decided to climb Croagh Patrick mountain on April 2, to raise funds and awareness for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and another charity close to Charlie’s heart namely Pieta House. Charlie acknowledges that the climb will be an immense challenge, but he is determined to do it. Since then, over 100 climbs and walks are planned to take place throughout the country and many of these are here in Kerry. I am aware that many people are climbing mountains, walking in the woods to highlight the vast mountains so many Motor Neurone patients must climb in their everyday lives due to this severe illness physical and mental and Charlie Bird, while climbing the holy mountain, is also climbing his personal mountain with the terrible disease called Motor Neurone."

Registration is at the Headquarters of Kerry Parents and Friends Association at the Old Monastery, Port Road from 10.30am before the walk commences at 11am. The walk is not challenging and is suitable for all walkers and everybody is welcome.

All funds raised will be divided equally between the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House to ensure they can continue to do their vital work in every community across Ireland.

The IMNDA is the only organisation of its kind in the country dedicated to working on behalf of people living with MND, their families and carers. Their key services include home visits by its four MND nurses, financial assistance towards home help and the supply of specialised equipment on loan. The IMNDA also funds and promotes research into the causes and treatment of MND.

Pieta House first opened its doors in Lucan County Dublin in 2006. Since then, they have helped over 60,000 people in suicidal distress or engaging in self harm. They operate 20 locations across the country, and they now employ over 200 therapists and support staff, and the demand for their services is increasing.

People can also donate to climbwithcharlie.ie.