In a heartfelt move to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK, Charlie Quirke, son of beloved actress Pauline Quirke, is taking on his first London Marathon to support his mother’s battle with dementia. For Charlie, this challenge is deeply personal – he is determined to make his mum proud while contributing to the fight against a disease that has affected his family since 2021.
Pauline, 66, known for her iconic role in Birds of a Feather, stepped away from the limelight after being diagnosed with dementia. Her diagnosis has been a life-altering event for the Quirke family, but Charlie has channeled his love and admiration for his mother into a mission to raise funds for research into the condition.
With his fiancée Chloe Thornton and Hollywood actor friend Jack O’Connell by his side, Charlie has already surpassed his original fundraising target of £10,000, raising an impressive £11,000. But he’s not stopping there – aiming for £15,000, the Team Quirke squad hopes to keep the momentum going as they run for a cause that touches millions of lives across the UK.
Charlie’s journey has garnered an outpouring of support from family, friends, and fans alike. His close-knit team includes actors Luke Roskell, Adam Long, and Andrew Knott, as well as sports broadcaster James Sharman. High-profile stars like James Corden, who donated £2,000, have also rallied behind Charlie’s cause, giving much-needed visibility to dementia research efforts.
Reflecting on his personal motivations, Charlie shared: “I just want to make my mum proud. This is my way of showing her how much she means to me and the fight we’re all in together.”
Before the marathon, Charlie took part in the Trek For A Cure challenge, walking 140km over five days to raise additional funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. His trek retraced significant locations from his mother’s career, including the Hackney Empire, where she first performed in panto with co-star Linda Robson. Along the way, he received emotional support from his mother’s former co-stars, including Mathew Baynton, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Perry Benson, who shared fond memories of working with Pauline.
Charlie’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, support, and hope in the face of adversity. As he prepares to take on the London Marathon, the love and resilience of Team Quirke will undoubtedly be felt by those watching—and by Pauline herself, who will be cheering from home.
Support Charlie and his team in their quest to make a difference, and help raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Every mile run, every donation made brings us one step closer to finding a cure.
