A KEIGHLEY woman seriously hurt in an accident after finishing a demanding physical challenge for a good cause has urged people to help her reach her fundraising goal.

Mavis Richardson, 83, a supporter of Dementia Friendly Keighley (DFK), suffered broken ribs in a car crash, which happened in the Midlands in late December.

Before the accident the Ingrow resident – dubbed “Magic Mavis” by her friends – had completed a sponsored walk of 150 miles over three weeks in aid of DFK’s drop-in facility.

In May last year, to celebrate her 83rd birthday, she successfully committed herself to swimming 83 lengths of Keighley Leisure Centre’s pool, raising over £3,000 for the same charity.

Commenting on the crash, which left her unable to follow up her 150-mile walk with further activities, she said: “I’m so disappointed. This was one of my biggest challenges yet, but I am simply not up to achieving my final goal this time.

“I am disappointed I cannot continue raising the money for the much-needed drop-in centre.”

Maggie Marsden, one of DFK’s founders, said: “Mavis set out to encourage people to get moving for DFK. She wanted to bring people together to get active and raise money at the same time.

“No movement was considered too small – walking, dancing, cycling, and even playing sponsored hopscotch.

“Mavis’s goal was to walk 150 miles, covering six or seven miles a day – some challenge for a woman who already has broken bones in her spine and can only walk with a frame.

“She finished the 150 miles, walking every day for just over three weeks.

“But she was then involved in a horrific motorway crash, suffering nine broken ribs and spent Christmas in hospital in Coventry, far from family and friends. She’s back home now but is battered, bruised and shaken.

“Mavis is truly incredible. She’s worked tirelessly to help provide a brighter future for those who find themselves feeling alone, by creating a community that’s a great place to grow older.

“She lives in Farish House, Keighley, and devotes her time to fundraising and organising social activities for residents.”

Maggie said people can ensure Mavis’s Make A Move campaign reaches its £3,000 target before the end of February by contributing via the “MyDonate” page at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/magicmavis

Alternatively, they can collect donations in their workplace, or undertake their own sponsored activity.

Maggie added: “Every little helps to make a big difference to the lives of those who need help and support living with dementia. Any funds people raise can be given directly to Dementia Friendly Keighley.”