A BANK manager is swapping finance for foxtrot and money for the mambo as she takes on Strictly Bicester for charity.

Lisa Robey, 36, is one of 19 contestants to take to centre stage for this year’s fundraising dance competition.

The mum-of-three has taken on the challenge to raise funds for sick children and their families, a cause close to her heart.

Mrs Robey said: “A friend encouraged me to get involved in Strictly.

“I loved the idea of raising money and I thought dancing was going to be easier than a half marathon – how wrong I was.

“I chose to raise money for Helen and Douglas House because I have a severely handicapped and disabled brother who spent the first 10 years of his life in Great Ormond Street.

“My family benefited from similar services to those at Helen and Douglas House, so I know first-hand how life-changing their support is.”

Mrs Robey’s brother Daniel Mason, 29, contracted pneumonia the day after he was born and soon after had a reaction to treatment.

He was in and out of hospital for nine-and-a-half years. Mrs Robey said: “Quite often we would go somewhere for services like at Helen and Douglas House as it can be a challenging time for a family.

“He originally could not walk or talk and now he is a right little character.

“We were lucky, Daniel beat the odds and is still with us today but I know that many families are not that lucky.”

So far, Mrs Robey, a managing director at NatWest in Manorsfield Road, has raised about £1,500 ahead of the competition on Saturday, February 27, and Sunday, February 28.

Each Strictly contestant has been paired up with a professional – Mrs Robey with Steve Payne – and training since December.

She said: “Steve has been dancing for years and won last year, so I feel slightly under pressure. I dance a lot, but not to the beat, not with any co-ordination and always to the embarrassment of my children.”

Helen and Douglas House spokeswoman Suzi Attree said: “Lisa has been training really hard for the Strictly competition, as well as working hard on fundraising. It is fantastic that Lisa is willing to do so much to support.”

This year’s sold out event will be held at The Bicester School in Queens Avenue, to donate to Mrs Robey see sponsorme.co.uk/lisa robey/strictly-bicester.aspx.