Emmerdale's Nicola gets in training to walk the Inca Trail for Alzheimer's

Nicola, who leaves for Peru on 17 May, was inspired to help the Alzheimer's Society in this way by her friend and Family Affairs star Nicola Duffett, whose father died from Alzheimer's when he was only 58.

Nicola Wheeler said: 'I am very aware of how many families around the country are affected by this cruel disease. Over 750, 000 people in the UK have dementia and most of them are cared for around the clock by their loved ones, which can be both emotionally and practically extremely difficult.

'My grandmother had a condition very similar to Alzheimer's disease, so this is a cause which is very close to my heart.'

Both off-screen and on-screen Nicola has an exciting few weeks ahead. In Emmerdale Nicola's character is now living with her fiancé Simon (Dale Meeks) and the couple are planning to buy a house together, despite interference from Simon's mother Lesley (Sherrie Hewson).

Walking the Inca Trail is a trip of a lifetime; Nicola will spend 5 days trekking through the snow capped Andean mountains to discover the lost Inca Empire.

'I am reasonably fit as I take my dog Jasper for long walks in the countryside but I have been told that trekking in the Andes is extremely arduous as you are walking at high altitude, so I am really getting into training now.'

On arrival in Peru, Nicola will join a group of 50 people from all over the UK who are also taking up this challenge to help the Alzheimer's Society. They will begin the fundraising journey in the ancient city of Cusco with an acclimatisation walk. Nicola and the group will then climb to 4,000 metres through breathtaking landscapes of cloud forests, river valleys and mountain passes, taking in spectacular views and camping in freezing temperatures in some of the most remote and beautiful spots in the world. Nicola will have a chance to explore the fascinating lnca ruins and settlements before finally reaching Machu Picchu.

'I am really looking forward to this challenge, and hope that I can raise as much money as possible for the Alzheimer's Society so that they can continue their work into dementia research as well as providing vital support to people with dementia and their carers.

Everyone on Emmerdale has been fantastically supportive and so generous towards my sponsorship. If any Emmerdale fans out there would like to sponsor me and help me make a difference to people with Alzheimer's disease they can do so online at www.justgiving.com/nicolawheelerfromemmerdale '

To receive further information about the Alzheimer Society's overseas challenges call 0870 417 0192.

For media and press enquiries, please 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.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the Medical Journalists' Association Medical Charity of the Year. The Alzheimer's Society is the first organisation to win this award.
• 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/.