Charlie Quirke, the son of acclaimed British actress Pauline Quirke MBE, is preparing to embark on an emotional and challenging five-day trek to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. The event, aptly named “Charlie Quirke’s Trek For A Cure,” is scheduled for December 8 to December 12, 2025, and will see Charlie cover 140 kilometers across five counties in the grip of winter. This ambitious journey is not just a test of endurance—it’s a heartfelt tribute to his mother, who was diagnosed with dementia earlier this year and has since stepped away from her celebrated acting career.
The announcement of Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis earlier in 2025 sent ripples through the entertainment world and deeply affected her family. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, Pauline’s diagnosis compelled the Quirke family to take action, becoming official Ambassadors for the charity. Their first event in this new role is Charlie’s trek, which aims to raise both awareness and vital funds to support research in the fight against dementia.
Charlie’s journey will begin in Chigwell, Essex, a location that holds special significance as the setting for Pauline’s iconic sitcom, Birds of a Feather. The series, which made Pauline a household name in her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous, also featured Charlie in a supporting role. From Chigwell, Charlie will travel on foot through London, visiting places steeped in family history—old homes, television studios, and the training ground of the family’s beloved West Ham United football club. Each stop along the way is designed to honor milestones in Pauline’s life and career, serving as a living tribute to her journey from aspiring actress to national treasure.
Charlie, who is an actor himself, described the trek as a deeply personal experience. He shared his excitement and sense of duty in supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, stating, “I’m really excited to support Alzheimer’s Research UK in this way, because it’s what my mum would want me to do. She’s such a selfless person, and I know she’ll be delighted that I’m doing this to help others.” As reported by Alzheimer’s Research UK, Charlie’s motivation is fueled by his desire to honor his mother’s legacy and help others facing similar challenges.
Throughout the five-day journey, Charlie will be joined by friends, family, and several well-known personalities whose lives have been touched by Pauline. Their presence is expected to provide both emotional support and a sense of shared purpose. “I’ve never walked that far before, but what will keep me going is knowing that I’ll be reaching places that mean so much to Mum. There’s so much about her life that I don’t know, so I’m excited to learn more about her as I go,” Charlie remarked, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
The trek will culminate on December 12 at the Quirke family home in Buckinghamshire. For Charlie, reaching home for Christmas will be laden with emotion. “I’ll carry all mum’s memories with me as I reach home for Christmas,” he said, underscoring the personal significance of the journey’s end. The event is designed not just as a fundraiser but as a way to reconnect with the past and bring hope for the future.
Pauline Quirke’s career has spanned several decades, with memorable roles in productions such as Broadchurch, Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, My Family, and Emmerdale. Her portrayal of strong, relatable characters has endeared her to millions of viewers. The news of her dementia diagnosis was met with an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike. Reflecting on the impact of the disease, Charlie addressed the heartache and the urgent need for progress in dementia research. “It’s not right, and it’s not fair. And it’s why, as a family, we wanted to do our bit. Research is the only thing that will give families a light at the end of the tunnel. Mum is happy, content, and loving for as much of the day as she can give us,” he explained, as quoted by Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Alzheimer’s Research UK, the country’s leading dementia research charity, has emphasized the scale of the challenge. With one in two people in the UK expected to be affected by dementia—either by developing the condition themselves or caring for someone who does—the need for research and support has never been greater. The charity exists solely to find a cure, and events like Charlie’s trek are seen as vital in fueling both awareness and scientific progress.
Hilary Evans-Newton, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, expressed her gratitude for the Quirke family’s commitment. “We’re honoured that Pauline Quirke and her family have become Ambassadors of Alzheimer’s Research UK, and delighted that her son, Charlie, has decided to take on this challenge for our cause. Like so many, Charlie knows all too well the devastation dementia causes, following his mum’s diagnosis. But by going on this gruelling trek, he will be helping to bring hope of a cure home to every family affected by dementia. We wish Charlie the best of luck and we can’t wait to follow his journey,” Evans-Newton said, as reported by Alzheimer’s Research UK.
For those wishing to support Charlie’s cause, donations can be made by texting ‘CHARLIE5’, ‘CHARLIE10’, or ‘CHARLIE20’ to 70255, or by visiting the dedicated fundraising website at www.charliestrek.org. Every contribution goes directly to Alzheimer’s Research UK’s mission to find a cure for dementia—a goal that, for the Quirke family and countless others, cannot come soon enough.
Charlie’s trek is more than a physical challenge; it’s a testament to family, memory, and the enduring hope that research can one day end the heartbreak of dementia. As the Quirke family steps into the winter cold, they do so with the warmth of shared memories and the determination to make a difference for families everywhere.
