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Charlie Quirk Embarks on 140-km Charity Trek to Fund Alzheimer's Research

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 8:02 GMT by Metro

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Charity Trek: 140‑km Walk to Support Alzheimer’s Research

In a heartfelt bid to raise money for one of the most devastating neuro‑degenerative diseases, 22‑year‑old Charlie Quirk has pledged to hike 140 km across the United Kingdom. The journey, slated for early December, will see him traversing a mix of forests, moorlands and coastal paths in a bid to rally support for Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) and to honour his mother Pauline’s long‑standing battle with the condition.

A Personal Mission

Charlie’s mother, Pauline Quirk, a lifelong resident of Aberystwyth, has spent the last decade fighting the emotional and physical toll of Alzheimer’s. While her mother has made a commendable fight to keep the disease in check, Charlie has come to recognise that the struggle is far bigger than his own family – it is one that touches millions across the UK. “Alzheimer’s is not just a personal battle, it’s a national crisis,” Charlie said in an interview. “I want to do something tangible to help change that narrative.”

The trek will span 140 km – a figure that reflects the “Wales 140” challenge, an annual walk organised by the Welsh Government and various charities. The route takes walkers from the coastal town of Port Talbot to the remote village of Llangwnes, through the Brecon Beacons and along the scenic River Towy. The walk typically takes 7–9 days, and Charlie’s plan is to complete it over the course of 10 days, giving him a few buffer days for rest and unexpected delays.

Funding the Future of Research

Charlie’s main aim is to raise £10 000 for ARUK, a target that will help fund clinical trials, support research into early‑diagnosis methods, and improve care for patients and caregivers. The charity, which is one of the world’s largest Alzheimer’s organisations, has a research budget of over £200 million and has already funded breakthroughs in drug development and biomarker research.

Charlie will set up a GoFundMe page where donors can contribute. Each kilometre he covers will be matched by a sponsor – local businesses in the communities he passes through, as well as corporate partners who have pledged to match donations up to a certain threshold. He is also partnering with a local charity, the “Aberystwyth Community Trust,” which will host a fundraising event in his honour upon his return.

The Journey – Physical and Emotional

The walk is no small feat. The terrain is challenging – from steep ascents through the Brecon Beacons to the sandy stretches of the Pembrokeshire coast. Charlie has been training with a local hiking club for the past six months, gradually building his stamina. He also plans to carry a small backpack with a 300 Litre water reservoir, a first‑aid kit, and a lightweight tent for overnight stays at a number of hostels along the route.

Charlie’s mother, Pauline, will accompany him for the first 20 km. “Seeing my son undertake this is a source of pride, but also a reminder of how fragile life can be,” Pauline told the reporters. The pair will part ways at the halfway mark, after which Charlie will proceed solo, with daily check‑ins from a local “buddy” network that will monitor his wellbeing via a smartwatch and an app that logs his progress.

Broader Impact

Alzheimer’s disease affects roughly 850,000 people in the UK and is projected to rise to 1.5 million by 2035, according to ARUK’s latest research. The disease’s impact is felt not just by patients but by caregivers, family members, and the national healthcare system. By raising funds for research, Charlie hopes to accelerate the discovery of a cure and to improve support systems for caregivers.

“Each kilometre we walk together is a step towards a future where Alzheimer’s is a manageable condition, not a death sentence,” said Dr. Fiona McGowan, a neurologist at the University of Oxford and a spokesperson for ARUK. “Charlie’s trek embodies that hope.”

How You Can Help

• Donate: Contributions can be made through Charlie’s GoFundMe page or directly to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
• Sponsorship: Local businesses and organisations can become sponsors and match donations for each kilometre.
• Volunteer: Volunteers can assist by providing logistical support at key points along the route or helping with event organisation back home.

Looking Ahead

Charlie’s trek will start on December 5th and is expected to finish by December 15th. In the meantime, he will be sharing his experiences via a blog and a series of social media updates that will include daily photos, video clips, and updates on the amount raised. He hopes these posts will raise awareness about the disease and inspire others to take action, whether through fundraising, volunteering, or advocacy.

The walk is a testament to how one person’s determination can amplify a cause that affects thousands. As Charlie sets out on this 140‑km journey, the hope is that each step will bring us closer to a future where Alzheimer’s is no longer a looming threat but a treatable, if not curable, disease.