A north London mother-of-two who raised more than £800,000 for cancer research has lost her own battle against breast cancer.

Danielle Leslie, 40, died at her Mill Hill home, having spent her last days with her family. Her funeral was at Edgwarebury Lane cemetery.

Her mother Sylvie Henry also had breast cancer, although her death last year was from lung cancer.

They were both dance teachers and ran The Arts Factory, a summer scheme for schoolchildren. Their Future Dreams charity raised the money for cancer research from two West End shows featuring stage and screen stars.

Mrs Leslie's best friend Pippa Collins said the charity was launched in October 2007, "just before Sylvie was told she had lung cancer. They wanted to do something about this terrible disease that afflicts so many women. They also wanted to reach as many people as possible, not just a few people with money.

"They were the most determined women I have ever come across. Danielle was incredibly brave and I never heard her complain once. It was the wish of them both that Future Dreams should continue as a lasting memorial, so Danielle's brother Dale will become chief executive."

Plans are being drawn up for a third show.