TWO Innerleithen sisters are preparing to take the plunge to raise money for their mum, who has Alzheimers.

Siblings Angela Archibald (47) and Jan Todd (44), who own the Caldwell's Ice Cream branch on Peebles High Street, will abseil down the Forth Rail Bridge with their friend Jeanette Robertson (50) on Sunday, October 15.

The trio hope to raise £500 from the hair-raising stunt, with all proceeds going towards Alzheimer Scotland - a charity close to the hearts of Angela and Jan.

In 2013, their mum Ann was diagnosed at the age of 64. Since the start of this year, Ann's condition has deteriorated rapidly.

Jan told us: "We are abseiling from the Forth Rail Bridge to raise money for Alzheimers Scotland so no one has to go through this awful illness on their own.

"We have chosen to do this for our mum who lives with the illness. Each day is a real struggle as the illness progresses for her.

"I know first hand what it is like to care for someone with this horrendous illness. It's tough not only for the person, but also the family who are left to grieve for them as they are no longer the person they knew.

She added: "In terms of fundraising, we've had a great response so far, but we hope to raise as much as we can for a cause very close to our hearts.

"We have set up a JustGiving page for donations, and also have sponsor sheets in both Caldwell's shops in Peebles and Innerleithen."

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jan-todd1