London Marathon Runner Honours His Mum Pauline In Powerful Dementia Tribute Every mile carries love, pain and purpose. 💔

In a deeply emotional interview on Good Morning Britain, Charlie Quirke, the son of beloved actress Pauline Quirke, opened up about his mother’s ongoing battle with dementia and the profound impact it has had on their family. And despite the challenges, Charlie says his mum remains “the funniest woman in the world.”

At 31, Charlie, who starred alongside Pauline in the 2019 revival of Birds of a Feather, revealed that he is preparing to run the London Marathon to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK in her honor. As he spoke, he was filled with admiration and love for his mother, calling her his “best friend” and recalling the incredible humour and acting ability that she still possesses, despite her diagnosis.

“She’s still my best friend,” Charlie shared. “She’s still the funniest woman in the world. With her acting ability, she can do so much with just a look, a wink, or a word. She’s still the funniest person I know.”

The battle with dementia, Charlie admits, is a long and emotional journey, but he remains optimistic. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he said, adding that they take “every day as it comes” and cherish the good moments. “Every day is a good day for us.”

Charlie is determined to make the marathon a meaningful tribute to his mum. He plans to carry a photograph of himself and Pauline from the day he was born, a precious gift from his father. “I’ll carry it with me through the 26 miles,” Charlie explained, “and take it out when I cross the finish line.”

“I never said I would do the marathon, but I’ve got some amazing friends doing it with me, and we’re doing it all for my mum and for everyone else suffering with this condition.”

As he reflected on his mother’s legendary career, Charlie expressed how humble and grounded Pauline always was. “For Mum, it was just a job,” he said, remembering how she would focus on simple things like planning family meals or doing laundry for their uniforms.

“Looking back now, the sheer number of decades she’s been working, it’s incredible. She’s changed people’s lives, and she’s an incredible, incredible woman,” he added, choking up with emotion.

Charlie’s words come after his heartfelt tribute to his mum following the news that Pauline would be stepping away from her professional duties due to her dementia diagnosis in 2021.

The last time Pauline made a public appearance was when she proudly received an MBE at Windsor Castle in February 2023, an honor for her outstanding contribution to charity and young people.

Charlie shared his pride on social media: “To my beautiful mum, I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you receiving your MBE today. Your services to charity, young people, and the entertainment industry are unmatched. To the most selfless, funniest, and caring person I know.”

Pauline’s incredible career spanned over 50 years, with roles in iconic shows like Birds of a Feather, Emmerdale, Broadchurch, and a BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress.

Though her acting career has now come to a close, her legacy continues through the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), a thriving network of academies that continues to inspire and support young people across the UK.

Charlie’s marathon run is not just for his mum—it’s for everyone affected by dementia. As he pushes through the 26-mile course, he’ll be carrying not just a picture but the love and laughter of a family forever touched by the incredible woman who taught them all what it means to live with joy, no matter the circumstances.