HAIRDRESSER Charlotte Bridewell was toasted with champagne after she finished the London Marathon in just over four hours and helped to raise £17,000 in memory of her superbike rider brother Ollie.

Ten years ago Charlotte, 32, her parents Liz and Marcus and brother Tommy from Etchilhampton, near Devizes, were devastated when Ollie died in a training crash aged just 21.

This year to mark a decade since his death they decided to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research and Charlotte put on her running shoes to get fit ready for the marathon.

On Sunday her family were in London to see her finish the 26.2 miles in 4hrs 5mins. Her mum said: "We were so proud of her. She did so well. She had hoped to run under four hours but there were so many people taking part she was held up in places."

Miss Bridewell's children Freddie, five, and Maci, six, were looked after by their grandparents but were in the finish area ready to see their mum with her medal. They took it into Chirton Primary School this week to show other pupils.

Earlier this year the family held an auction at Lowden Garden Centre, Shaw, which raised more than £10,000. Mrs Bridewell said: "We are confident the total amount for Cancer Research will be £17,000. We want to thank everyone who has supported us. People have been very generous."

Among her supporters on Sunday were staff and clients from Diffusion, the hairdressers she runs in Devizes.