The son of beloved actress Pauline Quirke is channelling family heartbreak into a powerful mission for change. Charlie Quirke will undertake a monumental 140-kilometre trek across England next week, raising vital funds for Alzheimer's Research UK following his mother's dementia diagnosis.
An Emotional Journey Retracing Mum's Steps
Charlie, 31, was deeply affected when his mother – the Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke MBE – received her diagnosis in 2021 at the age of 62. Now, he is transforming his personal struggle into a public campaign for hope. His five-day trek, named 'Charlie Quirke's Trek For A Cure', begins on Monday, December 8, and concludes on Friday, December 12.
"I'm really excited to support Alzheimer's Research UK in this way, because it's what my mum wants me to do," Charlie explained. "She's such a selfless person, and she's delighted that I'm doing this to help others." The route is profoundly personal, weaving through five counties and visiting locations significant to Pauline's life and career.
The Route: A Walk Through Memory
Battling the winter elements, Charlie's journey will start in Chigwell, Essex – the setting of Pauline's iconic sitcom. From there, he will head to the training ground of her beloved West Ham United football club. The path then winds through London, Surrey, and Berkshire, taking in old family homes, studios, and other poignant landmarks.
The trek will reach its emotional finale in Buckinghamshire, at the family home Pauline shares with her husband Steve, daughter Emily, and son-in-law Stuart. "I've never walked that far before," Charlie admitted, "but what will keep me going is knowing that I'll be reaching places that mean so much to mum."
A Family's Fight for a Future Cure
The Quirke family's experience underscores a national crisis. If nothing changes, one in two people will be directly affected by dementia. Recently appointed as Ambassadors for Alzheimer's Research UK, the family is determined to push for a breakthrough. "The hardest thing is knowing that there is no cure for dementia. It's not right, and it's not fair," Charlie stated.
He describes his mum as his best friend, noting that while dementia is a progressive illness, it hasn't changed their bond. "She's happy, content and loving for as much of the day as she can give us... But every day is different for all of us, and that is no different for mum – that's what makes it so difficult."
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, praised Charlie's efforts: "Like so many, Charlie knows all too well the devastation dementia causes. But by going on this trek, he will be helping to bring hope of a cure home to every family affected by dementia."
How to Support the Trek:
- Text 'CHARLIE5', 'CHARLIE10' or 'CHARLIE20' to 70255 to donate £5, £10 or £20.
- Donate online at trek.charliestrek.org.
- Follow his progress on Alzheimer's Research UK's social media channels.
All funds raised will go directly to Alzheimer's Research UK, supporting their crucial work to find a cure. For Charlie, every step is a tribute. "I'm doing it for her, and for every family that has experienced the devastation of dementia, because we must do all we can to find a cure."
