A woman who was inspired to raise £10,000 after her mum died of pancreatic cancer has smashed her target.

Rachel Illsley, who was adopted by Joan and Benny Bolton when she was eight, held a wedding fair at the Marsh Farm Hotel on April 22 in memory of her mum.

She has been raising money for charities since Mrs Bolton died in 2009 and the event brought her fundraising to a total of £10,200.

“We had about 250 visitors throughout the day and there were 33 exhibitors, including hairdressers, beauty, hats, flowers, balloons and table decorators,” she said.

“Swindon band Locom-otion played and Adam Okin, a Frank Sinatra vocalist, provided musical entertainment.

“Shirley Ludford compered for the two dress shows and models included Miss Swin-don and Miss Wiltshire, girls from Locomotion and my very own daughter Jennifer who wanted to help to remember her grandmother.”

The doors opened at 11am and extra staff from the hotel had to man the overflowing car park, at the event held at the end of the month.

“We sold a lots of dresses and raffle prizes were donated by exhibitors. There were also cakes made by exhibitors for sale and a Cancer Research sale table,” she said.

“I am proud to confirm that I achieved my target of £10,000 of fundraising since my mother passed away in 2009 from pancreatic cancer.

“Exhibitors have asked me to organise another fair as they enjoyed the friendly atmosphere – but I’m taking a well-earned break first.”