THREE friends from Bromsgrove who have all experienced the devastating and life changing effects of dementia are set to take on the Midnight Ben Nevis Challenge.

The feat will see the ladies raise money for the Alzheimer's Society by climbing the highest mountain in the UK at night by torch and moonlight, which will add significantly to the already daunting challenge walkers who attempt the climb are faced with.

Carol Bennett, Karen Cochrane and Janine Warwick decided to get involved after all having first-hand experience with people suffering from dementia.

"I cared for my own father for several years while he suffered from vascular dementia before he passed away last year at the age of 88, and my parents-in-law also suffer from the condition," said Carol.

"Janine has just had to seek a specialist care home to look after her own father, who is suffering from dementia, and Karen sees patients on a daily basis in her job as an occupational therapist."

Carol said that as she and her friends have been talking with people about the fundraising they have been shocked by the sheer amount of people who are affected by the condition and hopes the money they raise can help researchers find out more about it.

The walk will take place on the evening of Friday, July 4 and those who want to make a donation can visit justgiving.com/Karen-Cochrane2.

As well as the midnight hike, the women have arranged a charity gig for Friday, May 16 at Bromsgrove Rugby Club's ground on Finstall Road starting at 7.30pm.

"We were let down last minute by the band that had originally agreed to do the gig but local band The Dilemma Council agreed to step in and save the day," added Carol.

"They have been amazing and we really cannot thank the band enough, we are very grateful."

There are only a few tickets available and they can be bought at the door on the night costing £10.