FUNDRAISING sisters Gill Dunn and Sue Spurway will be taking up a “midnight challenge” later this year to raise money for charity – by walking to the summit of Britain’s highest peak.

The duo will be aiming to conquer Ben Nevis in Scotland at night-time, lit only by the moon and torchlight, in an expedition organised by the Alzheimer’s Society.

The inspiration behind their decision to take part in this challenge is their dad, Pat Hodges, a well-known former Ilminster sportsman, who suffers from vascular dementia and is cared for at a Taunton nursing home.

Gill and Sue, who both live in Ilminster, realise that walking to the top of Ben Nevis in July is going to be a tough trial, but their dad will be all the inspiration they need to reach the peak – along with the backing of an army of sponsors.

The sisters said it had been difficult at seeing someone so precious to their family go through dementia and the resulting changes to his behaviour and personality.

“This has made us determined to do something for the Alzheimer’s Society and to know we will be raising funds to help support people with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow,” said Sue, who works at Swanmead Community School in Ilminster.

Gill, who works at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, added: “We also want to help raise awareness of the Alzheimer’s Society and highlight the work of family and friends when caring for someone with dementia.”

A fundraising event will be held at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster on Friday, January 31, 2014, from 8.30pm to 1am.

Entrance is £3 with dancing to Snappa and AAV Sounds disco.

For more information please contact Gill on 01460-258848 or Sue on 01460-57203.

Anyone wanting to sponsor the pair can also do so via their online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Gillian-Susan.

And they added: “If there is a sponsor out there that would be able to help towards the expenses for the trip – this would be gratefully received.”