Charlie Ireland – who is best know as ‘Cheerful Charlie’ on the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm – has shared the story of his father’s health battle and death after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease
Clarkson’s Farm star Charlie Ireland has shared the heartbreaking story of his father’s death. The reality star has explained that he lost his father to motor neurone disease (MND) in 2011 and now he campaigns to help raise awareness about the terminal illness.
Charlie is one of the cast members of Jeremy Clarkson’s popular Amazon Prime documentary series that focuses on the agricultural trials and triumphs of the former Top Gear host. And the land expert has worked as an advisor to 65-year-old Jeremy for years before he found “accidental” fame on the hit series.
Tragedy struck 48-year-old Charlie and his family when his father, Chris, died at the age of 67 – with his passing after the family had to watch him deteriorate over four years due to MND. The condition affects the nerve cells in the brain, which slowly degrade affecting the ability to move, communicate, and breathe.
Opening up about his father’s diagnosis and health battle, Charlie told The Times: “Christopher – Chris – was just the most wonderful individual I had the pleasure to meet. He was fair, more than anything else. I can’t remember him raising his voice at me, ever. Once I was playing rugby and probably did something I shouldn’t have done, but it was a look of disappointment rather than being cross or angry.”
He revealed: “Then in September 2007 we were at a good friend of mine’s wedding. And Dad came off the dance floor and said ‘my foot feels a bit weird’. His foot had gone a bit floppy.”
As his health didn’t improve for a number of months, Charlie took his dad to hospital where he was delivered the diagnosis. The Amazon Prime star recalled: “We sat with a consultant wondering what was wrong and they said there and then, ‘we’re pretty sure you have motor neurone disease’. I knew it wasn’t good, but at that moment neither of us really understood the meaning. And the consultant said ‘no no, let me explain…’. He was the most unbelievable, caring doctor. Empathy and care was a theme through our entire process.”
Charlie went on to discuss the support his family and Chris received from the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), who were on hand to help and who the TV star now campaigns for as an ambassador. Championing the charity for giving his father “dignity”, Charlie went on to explain how difficult it was to watch his father physically deteriorate while remaining mentally sharp.
He reflected: “There were some dark times. When you have been able-bodied, or able to use all your limbs, the psychological impact is immense. He raised his voice now and again, which was different to when we were growing up. That’s where the outside support is so important; it gives the family release.”
And explaining how he and his family were also on hand to support his father, he added: “You do your bit. But it’s quite hard work, which is the understatement of the year. It’s brutal. But the bravery of the individuals going through it stands out. Because they know it’s coming.”
This month, Charlie has been supporting MNDA and engaging in a running challenge – which members of the public have also been undertaking to raise funds and awareness for the organisation. He, and many others, have vowed to run 31 miles across the 31 days of January – and it’s not too late for others to get involved.
Taking to Instagram this week, he explained: “January, let’s run things off with a new challenge. 31 miles, 31 days. It doesn’t matter where you run, but we’ve just got to have a go. Do it all at once, all on the first day, all on the last day, but let’s do 31 miles this January to support a great cause.”
And giving an update following his first run of the year, the Clarkson’s Farm star said in an Instagram video: “A very happy new year to everyone. Anyway, surprisingly challenging this morning. That’s the first one down. Mile one down.”
He added: “I was going to sneak in a couple of extras but frankly I thought that’s cheating on the first day. So anyway, wish you all the very best of luck – and we’ll keep you updated.”
