✨ A Son’s Heartfelt Tribute Shakes the Nation
In just five days, Charlie Quirke has raised £177,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, honouring his mum Pauline Quirke after her devastating dementia diagnosis.
Retracing her journey — from childhood schools to theatres and the academy she built — Charlie’s walk has captured hearts nationwide, inspiring millions to follow every step.
👉 Discover the full story behind this moving mission 👇

A Son’s Love That Moved the Whole Country: Charlie Quirke’s Emotional Trek for His Mother Pauline

In a heartwarming display of filial devotion that has captured the hearts of millions across the United Kingdom, Charlie Quirke, the 31-year-old son of beloved actress Pauline Quirke, completed a grueling 140km (87-mile) fundraising walk in December 2025. Over five emotional days, from December 8 to December 12, Charlie retraced significant milestones from his mother’s extraordinary life, raising an astonishing sum exceeding £200,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. What began as a personal tribute to honor his mum following her 2021 dementia diagnosis evolved into a national phenomenon, touching lives far beyond the Quirke family and shining a spotlight on the urgent need for dementia research.

Pauline Quirke, now 66, is a national treasure in British entertainment. Best known for her iconic role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather, alongside co-stars Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph, she brought laughter to generations with her impeccable comic timing and relatable charm. Her career spanned decades, including memorable performances in dramas like Broadchurch and Emmerdale. Beyond acting, Pauline founded the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) in 2007, a network of weekend performing arts schools that has nurtured thousands of young talents across the UK, earning her an MBE in 2022 for services to young people, entertainment, and charity.

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Birds Of A Feather’s Pauline Quirke Diagnosed With Dementia

The family’s world changed in 2021 when Pauline was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 62. The news, kept private until early 2025, led to her retirement from acting and public duties. Her husband, Steve Sheen, shared in a statement that Pauline wished to focus on spending time with her family, including children Charlie and Emily, and her grandchildren. Despite the challenges, family updates have emphasized that Pauline remains “still smiling, laughing, and happy,” retaining her sense of humor and warmth.

Charlie’s “Trek For A Cure” was born from this heartbreak. Determined to turn grief into hope, he pledged to walk across five counties, visiting places deeply meaningful to his mother’s life and career. “Dementia is going to affect one in two people in this country,” Charlie said ahead of the challenge. “The research is really paramount so every penny I raise goes straight towards research to help us find a cure.”

The journey began on a chilly morning in Chigwell, Essex—the suburban setting immortalized in Birds of a Feather. Waved off by lifelong friends Linda Robson and actor Ray Winstone, Charlie set out with determination, despite having fractured his leg just months earlier in training. The route took him to West Ham United’s training ground (a nod to the family’s passionate support for the club), old family homes in north London, Islington where Pauline grew up, theaters and schools tied to her early career, Windsor Castle (where she received her MBE), and a poignant stop at University College London to meet dementia researchers.

alzheimersresearchuk.org

UPDATES: Charlie Quirke goes on emotional trek for a cure …

Along the way, Charlie was joined by family and celebrity friends whose lives Pauline had touched. His father Steve surprised him on one leg, walking together to Windsor while reflecting on Pauline’s MBE day. Actors like Perry Benson, Samuel James (his on-screen brother from Birds of a Feather), and Joe Sims shared stories. Radio presenters and even West Ham players sent messages of support. At the Pauline Quirke Academy in Loudwater, near High Wycombe, students and staff cheered him on, celebrating the institution Pauline built with love.

The trek was as emotionally taxing as it was physical. Charlie described days filled with tears and reflection: “It’s been very, very emotional, probably a lot more than I was expecting.” He discovered new facets of his mother’s life, carrying her memories home. The public response was overwhelming—donations poured in, accompanied by personal stories of dementia’s impact. “The love and outpouring for my mum has been way more than we ever expected,” Charlie shared.

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Charlie Quirke is walking 140km to raise money and awareness for …

By the time Charlie arrived at the family home in Buckinghamshire on December 12, just in time for Christmas, the fundraiser had surpassed all expectations. Initial reports mid-trek cited over £177,000, but by completion, it soared past £205,000. Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, praised the effort: “Charlie’s efforts have raised vital funds for dementia research… this will make such a difference in our efforts to speed up progress towards a cure.”

The Quirke family, now ambassadors for the charity, have used their platform to highlight dementia’s devastating reach. Currently, around one million people in the UK live with the condition, projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. Without breakthroughs, one in two will be affected—either personally or through caring for a loved one.

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Pauline Quirke Academy – About PQA

Charlie’s walk has not only funded critical research but also sparked nationwide conversations about dementia, especially young-onset cases like Pauline’s. It has inspired others to share stories, donate, and advocate. Reflecting post-trek, Charlie said the experience changed his outlook: “I felt like I made a difference and I want to continue to do that.” He expressed interest in further awareness work, perhaps presenting stories of those affected.

In an era often marked by cynicism, Charlie Quirke’s trek stands as a beacon of love, resilience, and community spirit. A son’s unwavering devotion to his mother moved an entire country, reminding us that even in the face of incurable illness, hope endures through action and unity. As families gathered for Christmas 2025, many carried the Quirke story in their hearts—a testament to the power of one person’s journey to bring light to millions.