Bernie Nolan goes for gold for the Alzheimer's Society

The fourth series of The Games (broadcast 17th - 25th March) will feature nine days of nail biting excitement as the stars battle it out in the ultimate celebrity sporting challenge.

Jamie Theakston and Kirsty Gallagher will present the live show, and joining Bernie competing in a total of 18 sporting disciplines will be Javine, Amanda Lamb, Michelle Gayle, Liberal Democrat MP Julia Goldsworthy, Peter Duncan, Jade Jones, Goldie, MC Plat'num and Radio 1 DJ, JK (Jason King).

Bernie said:

'I want to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society because no words can describe how pitiful it is to watch someone you love suffer from Alzheimer's. I hope that any viewers out there who are not aware of the Society, and who might be affected by dementia, will be get in touch for some help and advice.'

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society said:

'We are delighted that Bernie has chosen the Society to benefit as a result of her hard work. The hours of training she has put in over the last three months will surely prove her to be a worthy contender. We'll be cheering her on every step, stroke and bound of the way.'

If you would like to help Bernie along and donate to the Society, please call our supported care team on 0845 306 0898.

Viewers of the show in Sheffield and Nottingham will be able to get along and watch it from the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham on 17th March, and at all other dates in various venues in Sheffield.

For more information, contact the Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.
• Bernie originally found fame as a member of The Nolans with her sisters, but in recent years she has been in Brookside and ITV's The Bill. At the beginning of this year she brought out a new fitness DVD 'Forty and fit for life'. Bernie is splitting the money that she makes from The Games between the Alzheimer's Society and the Children's Society.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.
• Our website address is: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.