Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie to run the London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Research UK

Charlie Quirke, the son of Birds of a Feather actress Pauline Quirke MBE, has announced he will be running the TCS London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Research UK. 

Running the iconic 26.2-mile race will be Charlie’s second major fundraising challenge for the UK’s leading dementia research charity following his epic 140km trek in December. 

Charlie Quirke’s Trek For A Cure was a hugely emotional challenge, with Charlie trekking across five counties over five days and visiting places of special meaning for Pauline and the family. His efforts captured the hearts of the nation and he raised almost £300,000 for dementia research. 

Charlie and his family were inspired to support Alzheimer’s Research UK after announcing in January 2025 that Pauline is living with dementia and had stepped back from her career.  

Heartbroken by the realisation that there is currently no cure for dementia, the family pledged their support for research and became Ambassadors of the charity. 

London calling 

Charlie will be running the London Marathon on April 26 with his fiancée Chloe Thornton and a group of friends.

The team, known as Team Quirke, includes Sinners and 28 Years Later star Jack O’Connell, Gavin & Stacey actor Andy Knott, Jamestown actor Luke Roskell and Happy Valley star Adam Long, plus lifelong friends James Sharman and Ciarnan Spellman.  

Charlie said: “I’m so excited and honoured to be running the London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Research UK.  

“It will be brilliant to have Chloe and a group of my close friends with me on this marathon journey. We are all inspired by my mum to support dementia research and help drive progress towards a cure.

“I’m so grateful to the charity for approaching my family and suggesting the idea of us getting involved with raising awareness and funds for dementia research.  

“My mum has helped so many people throughout her life, so it feels great being able to do things for her and to help other people.  

    The trek was such an amazing, incredible journey and experience. I think the marathon is going to be the same, but on a bigger scale because it’s such an iconic event with so many runners taking part. 

Training for the marathon 

To prepare for the marathon, Charlie and his team of runners attended a special training day arranged by Alzheimer’s Research UK at London Stadium, home of West Ham, the football club he and his family support. 

Charlie added: “Someone said to me that running the London Marathon is the closest you can get to feeling like a professional footballer and that was always my dream. So, being able to feel like a pro footballer while running in support of this brilliant charity is going to be amazing.  

“I am really looking forward to being on the start line.” 

How you can support Charlie 

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Director of Supporter Led Fundraising Jessica Taylor-Khan said: “We are delighted that Charlie, Chloe and his friends will be part of the team of around 300 Alzheimer’s Research UK runners taking on the London Marathon.

“Their commitment to training for a marathon reflects the determination needed to revolutionise the way dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented.

“Like so many, Charlie knows all too well the devastation dementia causes, following his mum’s diagnosis. 

    By running the London Marathon and raising money for vital dementia research he will be helping us to find a cure and end the heartbreak of dementia.

To support Charlie go to www.runforpauline.org.