Presenter and author Gareth O'Callaghan, who is battling the neurodegenerative disorder Multiple System Atrophy, has said he will be back on the airwaves this Christmas in aid of Temple Street Children's University Hospital.
In a tweet alongside a picture of him with Santa Claus, O'Callaghan wrote: "Am back on air very soon just for a few days to present some shows for Christmas FM."
"It's all in aid of Temple St Children's Hospital this year," he continued. "I've wanted to do this for almost ten years. Now at last! Thank you Santa. Let you know more very soon."
Am back on air very soon just for a few days to present some shows for Christmas FM. It's all in aid of Temple St Children's Hospital @TempleStreetHos this year. I've wanted to do this for almost ten years. Now at last! Thank you Santa. Let you know more very soon @christmasfm pic.twitter.com/pdmURDWOTO
— Gareth O'Callaghan (@GarethOCal) November 10, 2018
O'Callaghan was a guest on RTÉ One's Today with Maura and Dáithí last week, where he discussed his illness.
When asked if he had a message for viewers, he replied: "Don't wait for the wake-up call. I think we go through life wondering what's out there for us. It's not what's out there for us; it's what's here now.
"Stop trying to be like other people. Stop trying to aspire to what other people are.
"Just remind yourself every time you think of where you are in this particular day of who you are, and what you mean to other people. Don't stress about the small stuff, it's not worth it.
"And be most mindful of what you're capable of doing and most important, the people you love - tell them regularly as often as you possibly can that you love them."
O'Callaghan also told the hosts that "some of the biggest songwriters in Ireland" will be playing an unplugged concert for him at Dublin's Vicar Street on Wednesday, November 28.
My thanks to my favourite songwriters who have organised this amazing night for me. Also confirmed Declan Sinnott and Vickie Keating, Bagatelle, and Mundy. I am truly humbled and grateful for your support. Should be an amazing evening. Tickets available at https://t.co/x0KaWf1DnP pic.twitter.com/fjysw5cEfg
— Gareth O'Callaghan (@GarethOCal) November 5, 2018
"I just want to say thank you to every single one of them, because it was a great opportunity down through the years to meet those guys when they were starting off," he added. "It's a great night. I'm looking forward to it."
