Three colleagues from a Norfolk NHS trust are preparing to set off on a midnight trek up Mount Snowdon to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

Grace Simmonds, Gita Prasad and Alice Harvey, who work for the transformation programme at Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C), delivering improvements to patient services across Norfolk, will take part in the overnight hike on July 11.

The 10-mile trek in north Wales will see the team join hundreds of other thrill-seekers set off in the evening with the aim of reaching the summit before sunrise. Training is under way and a practice daytime trek up Snowdon is scheduled in May to coincide with Dementia Awareness Week, from next Monday to Sunday.

The team was formed by trek member Grace, 57, whose mother, Joan, 87, was diagnosed with vascular dementia five years ago.

'This trek has a real personal connection to me as it was a huge shock when mum was diagnosed,' said Grace, who lives in Cromer.

'It was tough when she slowly stopped recognising those closest to her and it was heart-breaking when she had to move from her bungalow to a care home in Buxton.

'More and more people are affected by dementia, and we wanted to thank the Alzheimer's Society for their work with people living with the condition and their families.'

Gita, 40, who is from Norwich and has previously taken part in a five-day foothill trek in the Himalayas for charity, said: 'It's so motivational training as a team and it is a great sense of achievement to help raise awareness and make a difference. With the extra energy and health benefits, there are even talks of the team taking part in the Hadrian's Wall or even the Great Wall of China trek, following our success in Wales.'

Alice, 20, who also lives in Norwich, said: 'The support that we have received from our NCH&C colleagues is so rewarding and we have started to organise fundraising events including an open-mic night, an Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party and a colleague photo competition, to help reach our £1,400 target.'

To sponsor the team or to find out more, visit www.justgiving.com/Grace-Simmonds1; www.justgiving.com/Gita-Prasadl; or www.justgiving.com/AliceHarvey-fundrising

Do you have a story about a fundraising challenge? Call reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772474.