Pauline Quirke was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

 

Pauline Quirke

Pauline Quirke was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 (Image: ITV)

Pauline Quirke’s son is now halfway through his 140km fundraising walk for Alzheimer’s Research UK, a route that takes him through locations significant to his mum’s life and career. The Birds of a Feather actress, 66, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Charlie Quirke, 31, set off on Monday morning at Victory Hall in Chigwell, the town where the iconic BBC sitcom was set.

Charlie was waved off by his mother’s close friend and co-star Linda Robson and actor Ray Winstone. Charlie said: “My mum’s career has been so iconic and so many places have formed her life – it’s going to be a really emotional, beautiful journey. It’s moments from her career and her personal life – Islington, where she grew up with Linda, to Windsor where mum got her MBE, past many Pauline Quirke Academies locations.”

Charlie Quirke

Charlie Quirke is halfway through his 140km fundraising walk for Alzheimer’s Research UK (Image: Alzheimer’s Research UK)

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Now halfway through the 87 mile walk, Charlie’s progress was covered on BBC Breakfast.

Sarah Campbell said: “Yesterday marked day two of his 140km trek. He left Stoke Newington in the early hours of the morning before heading to Hackney Empire where Pauline spent many years performing in the panto.”

Jon Kay added: “He’s got three days left of his challenge which goes across five counties, stopping off at more places that have been significant in his mum’s life and career. Charlie’s already raised more than £75,000 – phenomenal effort.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Loose Women star Linda, 67, issued an update on Pauline. The pair became friends at the age of ten when they began attending the same theatre school, later going on to work together on screen.

Charlie Quirke

Charlie’s progress has been covered on BBC Breakfast (Image: Alzheimer’s Research UK)

In an emotional update, Linda revealed that she saw Pauline a few weeks ago and left happy as she knew her friend was being looked after.

She said: “We met up about three or four weeks ago at a restaurant. It was so lovely. She was just giggling, and just really enjoying it, she ate everything as well.

“I left there happy because she was happy, and I knew they were looking after her really well.”

Speaking ahead of Charlie’s walk, Linda added: “I’ve known him since he was in the womb, really, he’s a good boy. There’s so many people now that get dementia now, my mum for instance had it really, really bad and it’s the worst thing ever I think.”