In a heart-wrenching act of love and determination, Charlie Quirke, the son of beloved actress Pauline Quirke, is running his very first London Marathon this Sunday, hoping to raise crucial funds and awareness for dementia research. This deeply personal challenge, which Charlie is taking on with a team of close friends and family, is a tribute to his mother, whose life was tragically changed by her dementia diagnosis.
Pauline, the iconic star of Birds of a Feather, shocked the world when she stepped away from the limelight in 2021, after revealing that she had been struggling with dementia for years. A diagnosis that robs its sufferers of their most cherished memories, dementia has now become a fight for survival not only for Pauline but for millions across the UK. In fact, around one million people in the UK are battling this cruel disease, and Charlie, 31, is determined to be a part of the change.
“I just want to make my mum proud,” Charlie shared with a lump in his throat. A sentiment that has become the beating heart of his mission. Alongside his fiancée, Chloe Thornton, and his childhood friend, Hollywood star Jack O’Connell, Charlie is running the iconic 26.2-mile marathon in hopes of raising vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Already, the team has surpassed their £10,000 target, now setting their sights on £15,000. It’s no surprise—generous donations from celebrities like James Corden, who contributed £2,000, and Dominic Cooper, who gave £500, have helped them race toward this new goal. The support has been overwhelming, but the emotional stakes are much higher than money alone. This is a son’s promise to his mother.
The weight of this journey doesn’t just lie in the 26.2 miles ahead of him. Charlie, who revealed his mother’s diagnosis with his father, Steve Sheen, last year, has been on a mission to help others affected by dementia. His latest fundraising effort comes after a successful trek he completed just months ago—a grueling 140 km walk over five days to raise awareness and funds for the cause. That effort alone helped raise around £175,000.
Charlie’s personal connection to this cause runs deeper than just his family. In a poignant moment during his ‘Trek For A Cure’ challenge, Charlie walked in the footsteps of his mother, visiting places that were dear to Pauline, retracing her own path in the world of entertainment. He was joined by actors Mathew Baynton and Tom Glynn-Carney, both of whom shared moving memories of working with Pauline, a woman they described as nothing short of magical. Mathew, who starred alongside Pauline in You, Me & The Apocalypse, spoke about the comfort and strength he drew from her during their time on set: “She was a little bit of home for me.”
But it’s not just about the memories; it’s about the future. Charlie is determined that his mother’s fight against dementia will not be in vain. The world of Hollywood and UK television have shown support, but it is the love and camaraderie of his friends, like Jack O’Connell, who has known Charlie since their days on Skins, that truly fuels this marathon.
“I’d only feel comfortable running if Chloe and James could do it with me, as the two people closest to me,” Charlie said, his voice cracking with emotion. The unspoken bond between the three of them has been the driving force behind Team Quirke—friends and family uniting in the fight against a disease that has touched them all so deeply.
As they prepare for race day, the team’s incredible strength is matched only by their unwavering determination. For Charlie, it’s not about crossing the finish line first; it’s about making sure his mum’s legacy lives on in every step he takes. He has carried this cause for months, walking miles in her honor, and now he is running miles for her, with her spirit and strength in every stride.
“Pauline will be in my thoughts the entire way,” he says, reflecting on his mother, who will be watching from home, cheering him on. And for Pauline, who has lived with the daily heartache of dementia for years, seeing her son pour his heart into this cause must be the greatest gift of all.
But this story isn’t just about a son running a marathon; it’s about resilience, love, and the unwavering hope that one day, a cure will be found. It’s about Charlie Quirke taking the pain and heartbreak of his mother’s condition and turning it into something powerful—something that will make a difference for families all across the world battling dementia.
As the marathon looms closer, Team Quirke’s supporters will be holding their breath, rooting for Charlie and his crew every step of the way. This run is more than just a race; it’s a powerful reminder that, in the fight against dementia, every stride counts.
In the midst of all this pain, there is hope. And that hope is carried in the heart of one brave man, running for his mother, and for every person touched by this devastating disease.
Join the journey and help raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Together, we can make a difference. 🏃♂️
