Exactly nine years ago today, British motorcycle racing lost one of its brightest young stars when Ollie Bridewell, aged 21, was tragically killed at Mallory Park.
And whilst his memory and legacy lives on through his younger brother Tommy, who is a leading light and race
winner in the MCE British Superbike Championship, it’s their elder sister Charlotte who is set to steal the limelight as she embarks on a series of fund-raising runs in aid of Ollie’s favourite charity, Cancer Research UK.
32-year-old Charlotte from Devizes in Wiltshire, who has run her own hair salon in the town for 12 years, and trains twice a week with Devizes Running Club, has secured a place in the Virgin Mobile London Marathon which takes place on April 23rd 2017, and which will coincide with the tenth year anniversary of Ollie’s accident.
But prior to that, the mum of two has entered the Bristol Half Marathon on 25th September this year as part of the preparations for the London Marathon, alongside 10,000 other runners, and is also planning an additional event in between. Charlotte is hoping to raise an initial total of £5,000.
“It’s a challenge as running a busy salon and being a mum to Maci and Freddie means I can only train after a long day and I have many hurdles to face, but it’s for a worthwhile cause” says Charlotte. “I have a programme to follow over the next few weeks for the Bristol Half Marathon and after that, my great friend and personal trainer Richard Ayling is helping with my preparation for the London Marathon. Being a first time marathon runner, I have many things to learn, but I won’t give up as knowing I am doing this for Ollie keeps me determined and focused.”
That competitive spirit has always been in evidence with the Bridewell family, from the village of Etchilhampton, 
whereby their grandfather Fred was a regular competitor in local motorcycle events, followed by his son Marcus in grass tracks and speedway and then his two sons, Oliver, born in 1985 and Thomas, born in 1988. Despite the tragedy of Ollie, who was riding a 1000cc Suzuki for Team NB when he lost his life, Marc and his wife Liz attend every race meeting with Tommy, who this year rides for the Bennetts Suzuki Team and has had a podium finish at Brands Hatch in May. Charlotte and her partner Dom still attend meetings when they are able.
Charlotte continues: “Ollie wasn’t just our brother he was our leader, our knight and our guardian, he kept a close eye on me and an even closer eye on our little brother Tommy who also does him extremely proud week in, week out when he cocks his leg over his number 46 Superbike. Ollie was wonderful fun, great support and a hero to so many, he always put others first and always wanted others to succeed, he makes me proud every single day and knowing he’ll be running 26 miles with me makes me extra determined to do it in a respectable time for him too. I am running for Ollie’s chosen charity, Cancer Research UK, due to losing our wonderful grandparents, and close friends so I’m determined one day we will find a cure.”
THREE WAYS TO DONATE
Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Charlotte-Bridewell
Donate now
Text: OBCB64 to 70070
Post a cheque or postal order, made payable to CANCER RESEARCH UK, to c/o Wayside Garage, Etchilhampton, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 3JT
ENDS
