Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie has raised an eye-watering sum for Alzheimer’s Research UK after completing a deeply personal five-day charity challenge inspired by his mother’s life.

Charlie crossed the finish line of his Trek For A Cure in Buckinghamshire on Friday, having retraced the journey of his mum’s life following her dementia diagnosis in 2021. The fundraising total has now passed £177,000, with donations continuing to pour in.

Earlier this year, Pauline, 66 — best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the much-loved BBC sitcom Birds Of A Feather — stepped back “from all professional and commercial duties” as her family shared news of her condition.

Family games

Over the course of five days, Charlie walked through places rich with meaning, from former schools and theatres to the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, where he was visibly overcome with emotion on arrival.

Reflecting on the experience, Charlie said he was humbled by the response, explaining that he “couldn’t thank people enough” for the love and support shown by those who joined him, sent messages or even stopped him in the street to express their gratitude. He admitted he was blown away by how much had been raised, adding that the trek was driven by a simple but powerful hope — to help find a cure and to thank everyone who stood behind his family.

The journey began in Chigwell, Essex — the setting of Birds Of A Feather — on December 8, with Linda Robson and Ray Winstone among those there to see him off. From there, Charlie travelled through east London, Surrey and Berkshire, stopping at significant locations from his mother’s life, including West Ham United’s training ground at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a club close to the family’s heart.

Family games

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

Charlie’s father, Steve Sheen, said the support went far beyond their own family, stressing that if nothing changes, “one in two will be directly affected by dementia,” whether through diagnosis, caring responsibilities or both — a reality he said society can no longer accept.

Alzheimer’s Research UK director Jessica Taylor-Khan praised Charlie’s efforts, saying the funds raised would make a real difference in accelerating progress towards a cure. She added that, just as importantly, Charlie had helped raise awareness and given a voice to countless families living with the devastation of dementia.