AFTER two years of hard training, a Hatherleigh women's dream of running the London Marathon for her 21st birthday became a reality, after she completed the 26 mile run in four hours and 52 minutes.

Charlotte Laycock, took on the challenge of the Virgin London Marathon as a personal goal and to raise money for spinal research. Sponsored by friends, family and members of the public, Charlotte managed to raise a superb £14,000 plus for the cause.

She said: 'It went really, really well. I'm really pleased with the time I did it in, it was such an amazing atmosphere and I recommend everyone to do it. I really struggled at the 25 mile mark, but I had my name on my t-shirt and people in the crowds were shouting my name and encouraging me on. I also had my dad cheering me on at the 15 and a half mile mark.'

Charlotte wanted to raise money for spinal research after her godfather was paralysed from the neck down in a car crash.

'My friends and family were amazingly supportive. I raised just over a massive £14,000 for spinal research, and I just want to say a massive thank you to all the support I received in the Tally Ho! as the bucket in there raised £250.'

Losing every single toe-nail and still recovering from the marathon has not put Charlotte off running, as she has already signed up to do the London Marathon again next year and will find out if she gets in this October.

Charlotte is now off on a well-deserved two week holiday before she starts training again for the Bristol half marathon in September.