The family of beloved British actress Pauline Quirke have shared a heartbreaking update on her health, four years after the Birds of a Feather star received a dementia diagnosis in 2021.
Her loved ones initially reacted with "disbelief" upon learning the news, but have consistently emphasised that the 66-year-old remains "funny and happy" and continues to recognise her family members.
Family's Emotional Journey
Quirke's son, Charlie, appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss his mother's condition, revealing the family's ongoing challenges. "My mum knows exactly who we are. Every time she sees all of us, she smiles, laughs, says 'I love you', says 'hello'," he shared emotionally.
He highlighted a significant problem facing many families in similar situations, stating: "And that's the problem – no one tells you" what stage the dementia has reached.
The actress's husband, Steve Sheen, whom she married in 1996, explained how Quirke first suspected something was wrong in November 2020 when she struggled to learn lines for a role.
"She started reading it and she phoned me on that day and said, 'The words are not going in.' That's where it started," Sheen recalled during the Monday 17 November programme.
Coming to Terms with Diagnosis
When Quirke received her official diagnosis, both she and her husband initially struggled to accept the reality. "We looked at each other and went, 'Can't be, it's long Covid. Got the flu'," Sheen remembered.
He expressed his surprise at the diagnosis, noting: "I was quite surprised that this was possible for a woman in her sixties, and it can happen to people in their fifties, people in their forties, so it's something you have to deal with and learn about."
Sheen described the gradual nature of the condition's progression, explaining that for the first couple of years, they thought "ah, she's alright." Now, three or four years into the diagnosis, he acknowledges she has become "a little bit different."
"This is why awareness is important," he stressed. "We didn't know how long it lasts or how long you have with it, or how bad it is or how quick it is."
Raising Awareness Through Action
The family are speaking out publicly because they believe Quirke, whom Charlie described as incredible, strong and courageous, would want them to raise awareness about dementia.
In a powerful demonstration of this commitment, Charlie will undertake a 140-kilometre walk for Alzheimer's Research UK next month. The trek will include stops at significant locations from his mother's life, including the headquarters of the children's drama academy she established with Sheen in 2007.
Hilary Evans-Newton, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, expressed honour at the family's involvement: "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."
She added: "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."
Supporters can contribute to Charlie Quirke's Trek For A Cure by texting CHARLIE5, CHARLIE10 or CHARLIE20 to 70255 to donate £5, £10 or £20, or donate online at trek.charliestrek.org.
Pauline Quirke's distinguished career spanned decades, featuring memorable roles in Broadchurch, Emmerdale and The Sculptress. Her portrayal of Sharon in the classic sitcom Birds of a Feather earned her a British Comedy Award, securing her status as a British television icon. In 2022, she received an MBE for her contributions to entertainment, charity work, and dedication to young people.
