Teenagers held a coffee morning to raise money for their friend’s father after he was diagnosed with cancer.

The girls, all 13, formed the Chai 13 Committee to hold a coffee morning to support Chai Cancer Care, in Great North Road, Hendon.

The event was organised by Ava Black, Leila Black, Olivia Bishop, Katie Lewis, Hannah Rose and Maya Tenby and was attended by more than 200 people.

It raised £2,500.

Ava’s father, Nick Black, was diagnosed with myeloma, a bone marrow cancer, in February 2014 but is now in remission.

He said: “All of a sudden my very normal family, which was just about coping with all the stresses and strains that modern life threw at it, was dealt the cancer card. And believe me, it was no joker.

“All of a sudden, as a family we had to encounter a lot more potholes in life’s bumpy road. Fortunately, we were introduced to this wonderful organisation, Chai Cancer Care.

“It has helped make that road a little less bumpy and helped us avoid some of the worst holes.

There is no doubt that the physical battle that cancer presents you is much easier fought when you can understand the mental one too.”

Mr Black spoke about the “tremendous” way the charity supported him and his family, who live in Glasgow, during his treatment.

The charity provides complimentary therapies, group activities and counselling.

Chai Cancer Care chief executive Lisa Steele said: “We have had many events organised for Chai, but none by such a young, enthusiastic group of girls. You have all worked so hard to make this event such a success.”