A brave mother who has fought a rare form of ovarian cancer has vowed to honour her late grandmother-in-law and friend with a charity ball.

Carmela Cook, 37, of the Limes, Hunton Bridge, was diagnosed with small cell cancer of the ovary in January 2009.

Having overcome her battle with this extremely unusual form of cancer - which tends to affect women in their 20s - she pledged to organise a ball to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

While she was arranging the event, her grandmother-in-law Brenda Honess, 76, died from lung and throat cancer.

Mrs Cook, a supervisor at Marlborough School in St Albans, explained: “Having been through so much myself, I originally decided to organise the ball as a way of saying thanks and raising awareness.

“Nobody thinks that cancer can ‘happen’ to them – but it can, it happened to me. I doubt there is anyone who can honestly say they have not been affected in some way by cancer.

“Brenda or ‘Grandma’ had been diagnosed with cancer before me – but nonetheless she was always there despite her illness, a real shoulder to cry on when times were tough.

“She was central family figure, everything revolved around her, a really strong character who would bend over backwards for anyone and everyone.

“Although we knew her cancer was terminal, we thought we had more time.

"When I told her I was organising this charity ball, she was the first one to buy a ticket from me, she was so excited about it and was thinking about splashing out on a new dress.”

Unfortunately Mrs Honess died on Monday, July 19, and Mrs Cook endured further heartache when a close friend died weeks after from the same form of cancer she had overcome.

Mrs Cook, who underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a hysterectomy while fighting cancer, said: “My friend, who I do not want to name as it is still so raw for her family, died shortly after Grandma.

“We met when Mount Vernon Hospital, where I was treated, put me forward as someone she could talk to, we supported each other a lot.

“Her cancer was more advanced than mine, but her death still came as a shock.

“I am so thankful every day that I’m in remission, that I have had the support of my family, friends, doctors, nurses, and Cancer Research UK and I hope this ball shows that.

“It will not only raise money towards finding a cure, but will act as a fitting tribute to a much-loved and missed family member, as well as a dear friend.”

The Fight 4 Life Cancer Research Charity Ball will be held at the Watford Hilton in Elton Way, Saturday, November 6 from 7.30pm- 2am.

Tickets for the black tie event include a three course dinner and live entertainment, and a raffle and auction will also be held.

To purchase a ticket or give a donation visit: http://www.fight4life.org.uk/