A FORMER professional dancer is taking the plunge to celebrate her 83rd birthday.

Mavis Richardson – known to her friends as Magic Mavis – aims to swim the equivalent of her years, in lengths at the Keighley pool.

And she is raising money for Dementia Friendly Keighley.

She is already well on the way towards her £1,000 target, with an online fundraising page total currently standing at more than £600.

Mavis' challenge – which will take place over three days in May – is made all the more tough because she suffers from constant back pain and numbness in her feet due to a fracture to her back five years ago, which also means she has to use a walking frame.

But the octogenarian is undaunted.

"I can't wait to take on the challenge and raise as much money as possible towards helping people with dementia," she said.

"With the kind support of family and friends, I'm determined to reach my target."

It is not the first time that Mavis, who lives at Incommunities' Farish House in Keighley, has used her love of swimming to raise money for charity.

She has coined-in cash for different causes, with her feats including a swim for Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands four years ago – when she was a mere 79!

Mavis has always kept active, since her childhood years.

She became a professional dancer at 18 and then a dance teacher, before a change of career path saw her train to be a lay reader and work for the church in Sheffield.

She's a popular figure at Farish House, where she helps organise social events and music shows.

Sinade Galindo, scheme co-ordinator at the site, said everyone was behind Mavis' latest challenge.

"Residents have been busy getting the fundraising off to a great start," she said.

"She is a real inspiration and is always busy running events for charity and spending time with people with dementia.

"Many of us will be there to cheer Mavis on in May."

Tribute is also paid by Maggie Marsden, from Dementia Friendly Keighley.

She said: "As she approaches 83 years old Mavis' 'magic' is just getting stronger, and we're sure her story will influence people to sponsor her in their droves.

"We at Dementia Friendly Keighley are in awe of this truly inspiring lady and look forward to supporting her on the swim."

Mavis is being given free admission to Keighley Leisure Centre for her swim, which begins on May 14.

To donate, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ianbraithwaite1.