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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Marita Moloney

Vicky Phelan sends touching message to Charlie Bird after he makes 'powerful' speech using voice bank

Vicky Phelan sent a message of encouragement to Charlie Bird after he used new technology to make a speech on Monday.

The veteran RTE reporter was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year and has spent the last few months "struggling" with his voice.

He revealed in January that he would soon be using cutting edge technology in the form of a cloned voice to communicate with people.

Charlie used this voice bank to make a "powerful" address at two memorials held by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation on Monday.

He spoke at the memorials in Dublin to honour those who died of Covid-19 and the victims of the Stardust tragedy.

Charlie Bird speaks via his speech-generating iPad at a Stardust memorial on Monday. (Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and HSE CEO Paul Reid were also in attendance.

Charlie was left many touching messages after the event and after he shared on social media that he had successfully used his voice bank again.

Among the well-wishers were Vicky Phelan, who told him to remember that he is still "our Charlie Bird".

"Delighted to hear this Charlie," she said.

"The more you use it, the more comfortable you will become at using it. Remember it is still YOU, our Charlie Bird."

Other people also praised him for his "powerful" speech.

One person said: "Charlie your voice bank sounded great. You can be very proud of it.

"It’s marvellous that you have it to get your powerful words out there. Your Stardust speech was very moving. You are helping so many people with your support and care. Keep up the brilliant work. Huge hugs."

A second said: "Powerful speech today. Thank you."

While a third added: "Well done you Charlie. You're inspirational."

Vicky and Charlie met last December for the first time, with the pair becoming fast friends.

The CervicalCheck campaigner said last week that she would do "everything in her power" to attend the Climb with Charlie fundraising event at Croagh Patrick in Mayo on April 2.

The trek aims to raise vital funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House, two charities "close" to Charlie's heart.

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