A team of 30 New Malden fundraisers raised more than £17,000 by running the Hampton Court half marathon.

The self-titled Team Chordoma runners, completed the 13-mile run last weekend to raise awareness the rare and often untreatable form of cancer chordoma.

The team, made largely of mums and dads in the area, were inspired by Emma Holloway, a mum of three who was diagnosed with chordoma after a row with her then 6-year-old son on New Malden High Street led to painful neck spasms.

Ms Holloway, 40, who lives in New Malden, said: "Being diagnosed with chordoma made me feel so isolated and anxious about for the future.

“Team Chordoma and our regular training has been a fantastic experience - not only are we raising money and awareness but new friendships have been formed and it's provided me with a great source of support.

“It's been fantastic seeing everyone's progress over the past nine months as our times and distances improve.”

In November 2015, Emma endured a risky 9-hour operation to remove as much of the tumour as possible, and as a result, most of her neck is now made up of metal plates.

Friend Debbie McCarthy, 45, who ran the half marathon, said: "We were all devastated when Emma was diagnosed, so when she said she was going to run the Hampton Court half marathon we really wanted to support her.

“Emma has three young kids, and as parents ourselves we know just how tough it has been for the whole Holloway family."

To donate visit justgiving.com/teams/TeamC4Emma.