“Mum still recognises us, still smiles, and still says ‘I love you’,” Charlie Quirke said, heartbroken as he spoke about his mother, actress Pauline Quirke, and her battle with dementia. Charlie is also preparing for a 120km fundraising walk, retracing the most meaningful places from her life
Charlie Quirke has shared a deeply personal and difficult update about his mum, actress Pauline Quirke, as he prepares for an emotional fundraising trek retracing the most meaningful steps of her life.
Pauline, 66, beloved for her iconic role as Sharon in Birds of a Feather, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Her son Charlie, now 31, revealed that the family’s journey has been “different every day” — something he admits makes the disease especially cruel.
As part of his work as an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Research UK, Charlie is taking on a five-day, 120km walk beginning December 8. He plans to travel from Chigwell — where Birds of a Feather was set — all the way to his parents’ home in Buckinghamshire, arriving just in time for Christmas. Along the way, he’ll pass landmarks linked to Pauline’s childhood, career and family life, including the West Ham United training ground.
Charlie explained that the challenge was not just for charity, but also for his mother: “I’m doing it because it’s what Mum wants. She’s always been selfless, and she’s delighted that I’m doing something that could help others. I’m doing it for her, and for every family devastated by dementia.”
He admitted the trek will be both physically and emotionally overwhelming. “Each day will be a mix of tears, laughter, and so much love for my mum. I’ve never walked that far, but what keeps me going is knowing I’ll be reaching places that matter to her. There’s so much about her life I don’t know — and I’m excited to learn it along the way. I’ll carry all Mum’s memories with me when I get home for Christmas.”
Charlie said that despite the illness, his bond with Pauline is unchanged. “She’s still my best friend. She’s happy and loving for as much of the day as she can be. But dementia is progressive — and there’s no cure. Every day is different, and that’s what makes it so difficult. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
He also acknowledged the strength within their family: “We’re lucky to have a big family with so much love. We all help each other — that makes everything easier.”
Charlie revealed the family went public with Pauline’s diagnosis in hopes of helping others. “The hardest thing is knowing there’s no cure. It isn’t fair. Sharing Mum’s diagnosis was our way of raising awareness, and as ambassadors for Alzheimer’s Research UK, we want to do our bit. Research is the only way families will see a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, praised the family’s openness: “Charlie knows the devastation dementia brings. By taking on this trek, he’s bringing hope of a cure one step closer. Pauline is a national treasure — and learning more about her through Charlie’s journey will mean a lot to the public.”
Earlier today, Charlie and his dad Steve appeared on BBC Breakfast, where they revealed the first sign that something was wrong. Steve recalled the day Pauline received a script: “She started reading it and phoned me saying the words weren’t going in. That’s where it began.”
The couple initially believed her symptoms were linked to long Covid. “We looked at each other and said: ‘Can’t be dementia. Must be flu or long Covid.’”
Asked about Pauline’s current stage, Steve said: “We don’t know. She’s still funny, she talks, she’s happy. Is it four years, eight, twelve, twenty? No one tells you.”
Charlie added: “Mum knows exactly who we are. She smiles every time she sees us, she laughs, she says ‘I love you’. That’s what matters.”
Both father and son said they want to make people more aware of the disease. “If using Pauline’s story can help even a little, we should,” Steve said. “Raising awareness and funding is what she would want.”
