If someone you love has been affected by dementia, you’ll know the toll it takes on the whole family.
For Charlie Quirke, this devastating reality hit home when his mum – Birds of a Feather actress Pauline Quirke MBE – was diagnosed in 2021, aged 62.
But he’s now turning heartbreak into hope, retracing her steps on an emotional trek to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK – which exists to find a cure for dementia.
Charlie will walk 140km from Monday December 8 to Friday December 12, visiting significant places from Pauline’s life before reaching the family home in time for Christmas.
Every step of the way, the 31-year-old will be driven by memories of his mum.
And by raising funds for crucial research, he’ll bring hope of a cure home to other families affected by dementia.
‘I’m really excited to support Alzheimer’s Research UK in this way, because it’s what my mum wants me to do,’ Charlie says.
‘She’s such a selfless person, and she’s delighted that I’m doing this to help others.
‘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.’
Battling the winter weather, Charlie will be covering five counties in five days.
He’ll start in Chigwell, Essex, setting of Pauline’s iconic show Birds of a Feather, before heading to the training ground of her beloved football team, West Ham United.
The route will then take him through London, Surrey and Berkshire, taking in old family homes, studios and other places that have featured in Pauline’s life.
Charlie’s trek will come to an end in Buckinghamshire when he reaches the house Pauline shares with her husband Steve, her daughter Emily and son-in-law Stuart.
If nothing changes, one in two people will be directly affected by dementia – either by developing the condition themselves, caring for someone with it, or both.
All funds raised during the challenge – called Charlie Quirke’s Trek For A Cure – will go to Alzheimer’s Research UK, which aims to stop this future from becoming a reality.
Charlie will be joined by family and friends during his journey, and you can take part too by donating over text or online.
And don’t forget to follow his progress on Alzheimer’s Research UK’s social media and share his story. After all, curing dementia is a team effort.
‘It’s going to be physically and emotionally challenging – I imagine each day will be a mix of tears, laughs and above all else, so much love for my mum,’ Charlie says.
‘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.
‘Then I’ll carry all mum’s memories with me as I reach home for Christmas.’
Pauline is best known for playing Sharon Theodopolopodous in the hit comedy sitcom Birds of a Feather.
She’s also had roles in Broadchurch, Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, My Family and Emmerdale.
In January, Pauline’s family announced she would be retiring from acting following her diagnosis.
Describing its impact on her family, Charlie says: ‘My mum has always been my best friend, and dementia hasn’t changed that.
‘She’s happy, content and loving for as much of the day as she can give us. But it’s a progressive illness and, currently, there is no cure.
‘So every day is different for all of us, and that is no different for mum – that’s what makes it so difficult. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
‘But we’re fortunate that we have a big family. We are all there to support each other, help out and there’s so much love between us, so that makes it easier.’
Alzheimer’s Research UK recently named the Quirke family as Ambassadors for the charity, and this trek is Charlie’s first event since taking the role.
He adds: ‘The hardest thing is knowing that there is no cure for dementia. It’s not right, and it’s not fair.
‘As a family, we want to do our bit, which is why we shared mum’s diagnosis to raise awareness and it’s why we are proud to be Ambassadors for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
‘Research is the only thing that will give families a light at the end of the tunnel, so we want to do all we can to help.’
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, says: ‘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.’
To support Charlie Quirke’s Trek For A Cure, text ‘CHARLIE5’, ‘CHARLIE10’ or ‘CHARLIE20’ to 70255 to donate £5, £10 or £20. Or donate online at trek.charliestrek.org
Search for Alzheimer’s Research UK’s website to find details on how to support.
