“This isn’t just for my mum — it’s for every family fighting dementia.” In the most emotional way possible, Charlie Quirke has turned heartbreak into hope. After his mum Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis, he walked for five days through the places that shaped her life — raising an incredible £177,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The actor raised over £177,000

Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie has raised an astonishing £177,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK after completing a deeply personal five-day charity challenge inspired by his mother’s life.

Charlie’s trek took five days to complete(Image: Alzheimer’s Research UK / SWNS)

Charlie Quirke crossed the finish line of his Trek For A Cure in Buckinghamshire on Friday, marking the emotional end of a journey he undertook following his mother’s dementia diagnosis in 2021.

Earlier this year, the much-loved actress, 66 — best known for playing Sharon Theodopolopodous in the iconic BBC sitcom Birds Of A Feather — made the heartbreaking decision to step back “from all professional and commercial duties.”

Over the course of five days, Charlie retraced key moments from Pauline’s life, walking through places rich with meaning — including former schools, theatres, and the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, where he was visibly overcome with emotion upon arrival.

Speaking after completing the trek, Charlie said he was overwhelmed by the support he received from across the country.

“I can’t thank people enough,” he said. “The love from people all over the country has meant everything — from those who joined me, messaged me, or stopped me in the street just to say thank you for doing this.”

“I’m blown away by how much we’ve raised for Alzheimer’s Research UK. We did this to help find a cure, and we’re so grateful to everyone who has supported our family.”

Charlie began his journey in Chigwell, Essex — the setting of Birds Of A Feather — on December 8. Fellow cast members Linda Robson and Ray Winstone were there to see him off, marking a powerful and symbolic start.

From there, his route took him to West Ham United’s training ground at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — a place close to the family’s heart — before winding through Greater London, Surrey and Berkshire, passing former homes, studios and significant locations from Pauline’s life.

Throughout the week, Charlie was joined by several familiar faces, including actors Mathew Baynton and Perry Benson, while Lorraine Kelly walked alongside him for the final stretch of the trek.

Charlie’s father, Steve Sheen, spoke about the wider importance of the challenge, saying the fundraiser was about much more than one family.

“This support for Alzheimer’s Research UK isn’t just for Pauline — it’s for everyone affected by dementia,” he said.

“If nothing changes, one in two people will be directly affected by dementia, whether by developing it themselves, caring for someone who has it, or both. We simply can’t continue to accept that.”

Jessica Taylor-Khan, director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, praised Charlie’s efforts, confirming the total raised had already exceeded £177,000.

“Charlie’s incredible trek will make a huge difference in our work to accelerate progress towards a cure — something we desperately need,” she said.

“On top of raising vital funds, Charlie has helped shine a spotlight on dementia and given a voice to countless families living with the devastation of this disease every day.”

As Charlie completed his journey, messages of support continued to pour in — not just for his remarkable fundraising achievement, but for the courage it took to publicly turn personal heartbreak into hope for others.