A WOMAN whose parents live in Old Malton raised £4,300 when she took part in the London Marathon for a charity that helped to save her life.

Joanna Hemesley is donating the money to the Anthony Nolan Trust, which found a donor when she needed a bone marrow transplant in her fight against leukaemia.

Joanna, whose father Tony is a former chairman of Ryedale District Council, took four hours and seven minutes to complete the course.

Her mother, Phil, said: “She did brilliantly. She got round it without any difficulty at all.”

It was the first time her daughter, who is head of corporate sales at the prestigious Lancaster Hotel in London, had taken part in the marathon and trained for eight months with a cousin.

The training included running to and from work and long runs at weekends.

Mrs Hemesley said: “Her brother and sister and myself were all there with banners shouting and yelling for her.

“We saw her at various points but she did not see us until she got to the end. There was then a party at the Royal Society for those running for the Anthony Nolan Trust.”

Some £1,500 of the money raised came from the parishes of St Leonard & St Mary’s RC Church, Malton, and St Mary’s Priory in Old Malton and residents.

“We are so grateful for everyone who kindly gave their money and support for such a good cause. We are just overwhelmed,” said Mrs Hemesley who hosted tea parties at her home to help boost the funds.

Joanna, 43, had her transplant six years ago.

“We are thrilled to bits with her achievement and so proud of her. Anyone who saw the state she was in at the time of the transplant will realise what a fantastic recovery she had made thanks to the Trust and the skills of the medical team,” added Mrs Hemesley.