A WOMAN who saved the life of a boy by donating bone marrow has abseiled down the front of her local church to raise money for charity.

Rebecca Hardy, 25, is determined to raise much-needed funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust and increase awareness of the charity, which encourages people to donate bone marrow.

Miss Hardy registered as a donor on the trust's register and was called in when her bone marrow matched that of an eight-year-old, who was suffering from cancer.

She has been told since that the boy is enjoying playing with his toys at home, surrounded by his family, for the first time in his young life.

On Saturday, Miss Hardy was among 40 people who took the challenge to abseil from St John's Church, Shildon, County Durham, to raise money for the trust and for The Butterwick Hospice.

She said: "I have done this about eight times now and I still think it's awful. It is definitely much worse than donating bone marrow!

"But it is for a good cause, and I am determined to raise money and boost the profile of The Anthony Nolan Trust.''

Proceeds from the whole event will be divided between the trust and The Butterwick Hospice, in Bishop Auckland.

Beryl Anderson, from the hospice, said: "We have had an excellent turn out and as always, the people of Shildon have shown tremendous community spirit.

"We have raised about £1,000 and there is still money coming in."