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Finn Quirke Sets New Record, Raising GBP177,000 for Alzheimer's Charity

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 15:27 GMT by The Irish News

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Pauline Quirke’s son sets new record, raising over £177,000 for Alzheimer’s charity

Pauline Quirke, the beloved Irish television presenter, has once again found her family in the spotlight – this time for an inspiring act of charity. Her son, 26‑year‑old Finn Quirke, has successfully raised more than £177,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society through an arduous trek across the Irish countryside. The story, featured on The Irish News and linked to the Alzheimer’s Society’s own fundraising page, highlights a remarkable blend of personal determination, community support, and a powerful message of hope for those affected by dementia.

The trek that touched a nation

Finn’s challenge began in late March, when he set out on the “Northern Walk”, a 200‑mile route that takes participants through rugged cliffs, ancient peat bogs, and the lush valleys of County Donegal. The trek, organised in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, was designed not only to raise funds but also to raise awareness of the early signs of Alzheimer’s and the vital need for research into a cure.

“I’ve always loved the outdoors,” Finn told The Irish News, “but this was never just about me. It’s about all the families who are dealing with a diagnosis every day. If a single step on that walk can make a difference, then that’s why we’re doing it.”

Finn’s decision to tackle the trek was driven by a deeply personal reason. He has watched his grandfather, who suffered from Alzheimer’s for 12 years, gradually lose the memories that once made him a vibrant family man. “Seeing him fade was a call to action,” Finn added. “I wanted to do something that could help bring support and resources to others.”

Fundraising triumph

The fundraiser’s momentum has been impressive. With the help of sponsors, local businesses, and generous donors from across Ireland and the UK, Finn has surpassed the £177,000 mark – a figure that already places him at the top of the Alzheimer’s Society’s annual fundraising leaderboard.

The money raised will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Society’s “Memory Pathways” program, which focuses on early detection, community support, and research into disease-modifying therapies. Finn’s achievements were celebrated by his mother, Pauline, who expressed immense pride in her son’s dedication. “He’s my son, but also a beacon for all those affected by this terrible condition,” she said. “He’s showing us that even a single person can make a huge difference.”

Community and media support

The trek received wide coverage, with local news outlets and social media campaigns amplifying Finn’s message. In particular, a local radio station in Derry featured a live segment in which Finn answered listener questions about Alzheimer’s and the importance of early testing. The event’s official page – linked directly in the Irish News article – provides a live donation tracker, allowing supporters to see real‑time progress toward the £200,000 goal.

Finn’s journey also attracted support from notable Irish figures. Former footballer Damien O’Brien, who lost his mother to Alzheimer’s, posted a heartfelt message encouraging people to donate and spread the word. The Alzheimer’s Society’s CEO, Dr. Fiona McCarthy, praised Finn’s initiative: “His commitment is a testament to the spirit of the Irish community and the vital role we all play in fighting dementia.”

What’s next for Finn and the family

While the trek is still underway, Finn has expressed plans to continue fundraising beyond the completion of the walk. He intends to host a series of “Memory Walks” in various counties, hoping to create a network of community-driven support events. Meanwhile, the Quirke family is exploring opportunities to expand their advocacy work, with Pauline announcing her upcoming podcast series on mental health and dementia, featuring experts and affected families.

The charity’s website, linked from the article, offers a comprehensive guide on how donors can contribute – from one‑off donations to monthly sponsorships. The Alzheimer’s Society also encourages those who can’t donate to help by volunteering at local support groups or participating in awareness campaigns.

A story of hope and resilience

In the final analysis, Finn Quirke’s trek is more than a fundraising triumph; it is a testament to the resilience of families facing Alzheimer’s and the power of community solidarity. By turning a personal loss into a public campaign, Finn has shown that collective action can bring tangible change – whether in the form of increased research funding, improved support services, or simply a shared sense of hope.

The Irish News’ article serves as both a celebration of Finn’s achievements and a call to action for readers. It reminds us that, even in the face of a disease that erases memory, new memories can be created – ones of courage, compassion, and shared purpose.