People touched by cancer shared their stories to give others in the same shoes a “glimmer of hope” at a coffee morning.

Julie Jacob, of Stonebridge Road, Tottenham, invited people to eat cake and sip a brew in honour of her mother, Phyllis Walter, who died of ovarian cancer eight years ago.

The event, held at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre, was held as part of Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – the charity which helped Ms Jacob and her sister through the traumatic time.

It was also held in memory of Ms Jacob’s friend, Victor Dehaney, 76, who died of cancer last year.

She said: “Sometimes when people are told they have cancer they think that’s it. But when they talk to cancer survivors - it gives them that glimmer of hope.”

Ms Jacob stressed how important it is for people with cancer to talk to survivors and hear their stories.

Audrey Brown, 49, who lives in Tottenham, fought breast cancer five times and has now been in remission for five years.

She said: “It’s very inspiring for someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer to see that I’ve fought the battle and in remission.

“Even to go through breast cancer once is traumatic. But as well as the physical trauma there’s emotional trauma.

“I feel very lucky and blessed because I have a close-knit network of family and people around me who have helped me through.”

Guests who attended the event included, David Lammy, Labour MP for Tottenham, and Sheila Peacock, Labour councillor for Northumberland Park.

Mr Lammy and Ms Peacock both had personal experiences of cancer and were keen to show their support at the event.

Mr Lammy said: “Eight years ago my mother lost her battle against ovarian cancer and Macmillian supported me and my family for the two years following that diagnosis.

“It’s very important to hear the voices of survivors and important for people to remember those who have lost their battle.

“Cancer is something you can’t face on your own. It requires support and solidarity.”

Councillor Sheila Peacock, who has attended the past five events, had breast cancer in 1997 and has been in remission for 18 years.

Councillor Peacock said: “When I had cancer there was nobody I could talk to about my experience. But now there are organisations you can share your problems with.

“If people had cancer years ago they didn’t speak about it, but it’s very important to talk about it because other people can share your burden.

Councillor Peacock also emails events for cancer sufferers and survivors to go to each month.

She said: “I encourage people to attend the events which are on in the borough to help them with their recovery.”