Rachael Pollock and her family were supported by Camp Simcha for four years after her son Adam, now 11, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2010.

Mrs Pollock was able to give back to the charity by leading the committee for Camp Simcha's inaugural ladies' brunch. Held at JW3 in Finchley Road and addressed by actress and author Fay Ripley, it raised more than £50,000.

Mrs Pollock's daughter Katie was among the Kerem School choir which provided musical entertainment.

"I have first-hand experience of the Camp Simcha phenomenon," she said, "in the form of the wonderful staff and volunteers, the away days and all the fun and games which brightened up my son's life when he was ill, as well as the relief they brought for the rest of the family. The committee decided to hold this event to raise awareness of the important work it does and of the urgent need to continue to raise funds."

During a Q&A, Ms Ripley - who recently published her third cook book - regaled guests with stories about her time on the hit TV comedy drama Cold Feet, as well as her thoughts on healthy eating.

Pleased to be supporting a "genuinely amazing charity", she added that she had "always wanted to be Jewish. I lived above Boots in Golders Green high street in my 20s. I had naturally dark hair so I looked quite Jewish.

"I also had my nails and hair done every week and I would buy challah on a Friday and the Jewish mums would spot I didn't have a ring on my finger. I quickly realised this was how I was going to get a boyfriend!

"I watched the film, Yentl, on a loop and received lots of invites for Friday night dinners until the truth came out."