The 47-year-old former England forward announced in October that he was suffering from the incurable and life-limiting illness.

Kathy Weir said she now feels mentally ready to take on the challenge.

The Irish broadcaster brought stories from around the world to TV screens across the country

Charlie Bird wrote that his health had “changed completely” before thanking his neighbours and carers for their support.

Researchers found there were several surges of interest in motor neurone disease (MND) in internet searches in the past two years