Charlie Quirke, son of Birds Of A Feather actress Pauline Quirke, is undertaking a five-day, 140km trek for Alzheimer’s Research UK, prompted by his mother’s dementia diagnosis. The family of the beloved star announced her retirement from acting in January when her condition was revealed.
Pauline Quirke is best known for her iconic role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the BBC sitcom Birds Of A Feather, which first aired in 1989. Her extensive career also included roles in Junket 89, You Must Be Joking! and Shine On Harvey Moon in earlier decades.
Her 31-year-old son, Charlie, explained his motivation for the 87-mile walk: "because it’s what my mum wants me to do."
Ask about her dementia stage on BBC Breakfast, her husband Steve Sheen said: "We don't know. She's still funny. She's talking. She's happy."
"Is it four years, eight years, 10 years, 12 years, 20, who knows?"
Charlie added: "And that's the problem, no one tells you.
"My mum knows exactly who we are. Every time she sees all of us, she smiles, laughs, says 'I love you', says 'hello'."
Over the five days, Charlie will retrace his mother’s footsteps as he visits significant places from her life, before reaching his parents’ home in Buckinghamshire to spend Christmas together.
Charlie said: “I’m really excited to support Alzheimer’s Research UK in this way, because it’s what my mum wants me to do. 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.
“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. And then I’ll carry all mum’s memories with me as I reach home for Christmas.”
Charlie will set off from Chigwell, Essex, where Birds Of A Feather was set, on December 8 and head to the training ground of the family’s beloved football team, West Ham United, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London.
His route will take him through Greater London, Surrey and Berkshire, and will include old family homes, studios and other places that have played a key part in his mother’s life.
Through the challenge – called Charlie Quirke’s Trek For A Cure – Charlie is aiming to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
He added: “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.
“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, said: “We’re honoured that Pauline Quirke and her family have become Ambassadors of Alzheimer’s Research UK, and delighted that her son, Charlie, has decided to take on this challenge for our cause.
“Like so many, Charlie knows all too well the devastation dementia causes, following his mum’s diagnosis. But by going on this trek, he will be helping to bring hope of a cure home to every family affected by dementia.
“As well as raising much-needed funds and awareness for dementia research, I’m certain this challenge will bring so much joy to the public. Pauline is a national treasure, and we all have such fond memories of her on our screens. It will be a privilege to learn more about Pauline, and her life, as Charlie embarks on this trek.
“We wish Charlie the best of luck and we can’t wait to follow his journey.”
People can support Charlie Quirke’s Trek For A Cure, by texting CHARLIE5, CHARLIE10 or CHARLIE20 to 70255 to donate £5, £10 or £20. Alternatively, they can donate online at trek.charliestrek.org.
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