A university student will tackle a 10-day trek in South America to help raise almost £100,000 for a dementia charity.

Stephanie Jones, 19, from Lutyens Close in Macclesfield, will join 36 other students from Plymouth University on the trek to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, in June this year.

The money, of which Stephanie aims to raise £2,990, will go to Dementia UK to fund specialist dementia nurses, Admiral Nurses, who give practical, clinical and emotional support to families living with the disease to help them cope.

Stephanie, who is studying geography, said: “You don’t hear so much about dementia charities so I think it’s really important to raise awareness.

“The charity is also close to my heart as one of my family is affected by the disease.”

The former All Hallows Catholic College pupil will begin training for the challenge this month.

She said: “I’ve never done a trek and feel excited but a bit scared at the same time. I’m fit but not crazily fit so it will definitely be a challenge.”

The team will fly from London Heathrow and on arrival will have a day of altitude adjustment.

Stephanie said: “Our adventure leader said the atmosphere at that height makes you feel like you have a bad hangover but after the adjustment day it should be okay.”

The students aim to reach Machu Picchu on the 10th day as the sun is rising.

Stephanie said: “I’ll be so proud if I reach the end. I have so many study deadlines but I still found the time to do this as it’s so important.”

Donate at justgiving.com/steph-jones-machupicchu .