Charlie Ireland, the agronomist and farming consultant known as 'Cheerful Charlie' on the Prime Video series Clarkson's Farm, has paid a moving tribute to his late father, Christopher, who died from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2011. In an emotional Instagram post shared on June 21, which coincided with both Father's Day and Global Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Day, Ireland reflected on the devastating impact of the disease and the importance of raising awareness.
Father's Day and MND Awareness
In the video, Ireland, a father of two, explained: "MND Awareness Day casts a spotlight on remembering those special days that pass during the time people are afflicted with the disease. These are special days and any anniversary that marks life, which is precious, such as Father's Day or can simply be days where people with MND can reconnect with being themselves again - whether that's through mobility or speech - makes a massive impact to their lives and living it as normally as possible."
He added: "We live in a busy world and I think Special Days Awareness campaign might just get people to stop and think and take a moment to share time with those friends and family that they want to. If that connects people with the ability to raise money for supporting the MND Association that would be a good outcome."
Personal Connection to the Disease
Ireland noted the significance of the date: "Overall, I think it's a poignant day Father's Day - men are more likely to develop the disease, so the fact the Global Awareness Day falls on Father's Day makes it just a little bit special this year. It's also particularly poignant for me that it lands on Father's Day - my father was affected with Motor Neurone Disease, and he died in 2011 having been diagnosed in late 2007. Although nearly 15 years has passed, and time really does heal, it's an opportunity to remind people of the devastating impact of the disease. Unfortunately, it impacts far too many people and anything we can do to improve, accelerate getting an answer to a cure would be absolutely marvellous."
Tribute to His Father
Honouring his father Christopher, who passed away at age 67, Ireland said: "Dad had a great sense of humour and he also treated people incredibly fairly no matter who they were which really was a powerful trait that enabled him to talk to absolutely anybody which was a fantastic as a boy growing up. Dad was a farmer, but he backed us to go and do other things with our careers, so my brother, my sister and I have all done different things, and he was incredibly supportive of whatever we did. He was quite pleased that I worked in agriculture, and we would talk quite often on our 'new' mobile phones back in the late 90s, early 2000s. He was just a great support, and I really valued his advice as I grew up."
Ambassador for MND Association
Ireland revealed that his family felt "very fortunate" following the "amazing support" they received from the Lincolnshire Motor Neurone Disease Association. He has served as an ambassador for the MND Association for almost a year, during which he participated in the first Rob Burrow marathon - his first-ever marathon. He said: "I'm still working on ideas about how I can help and that's what it's about, it's about helping, supporting those who are raising money."
He added: "If I can maybe connect with a different section of society and people who don't know about the disease - that would be a great outcome to make people more aware of unfortunately how common it is, how many people get diagnosed with the disease each year but also for those who are impacted, we want to make them aware of the support they can get, from the local MND Association members and make their lives as comfortable as they can be."
For more information about Motor Neurone Disease, visit mndassociation.org. Clarkson's Farm Season 5 is streaming on Prime Video now.
