A mother's plan for a party to celebrate the end of her breast cancer treatment has snowballed into a major fund-raising event hosted by comedienne Jo Brand.

It will raise cash for The Pink Dolphin Appeal, which aims to collect £1.5 million to equip a breast cancer centre planned for Brighton.

Child psychologist Brenda Robinson used her sense of humour to keep her buoyant during her ordeal, which started after a routine visit to her GP. The mother-of-one went for a smear test and asked her doctor to examine one of her breasts, which she had become concerned about.

She said: "Over time, I could no longer see one of my nipples and I just thought 'oh well, it's gravity'."

When Brenda's breast became itchy and developed dimpled skin, she was referred to the Nigel Porter Unit for Breast Care at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Brenda, 46, of Guildford Street, Brighton, took friend Carolyn Morris with her while she underwent a raft of tests. She was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breaking the news to her daughter was made easier with her experience as a child psychologist.

Brenda, a divorcee, said: "I was getting dressed one day and Winnie said 'mummy your boob looks a lot smaller'.

"I felt that was the right moment to tell her. I told her it was going to get even smaller because there was cancer in it. I told her it was nothing to be concerned about.

"Personally and professionally I think if you are not honest with children then their fantasies of what's the matter is always far worse than the reality.

"I was honest with her - but up to a point."

Brenda admits she made the mistake of trawling the internet and picking up information that scared her.

She said: "I thought I'd heard the nurse say there was evidence of calcification under my arm, so I trawled through the net and convinced myself I was going to die."

She returned to the clinic where it was confirmed she had breast cancer and it had also been found in one of her lymph nodes.

Brenda had private health cover but opted to stay with the NHS as she had so much confidence in the Nigel Porter Clinic.

She underwent a mastectomy and had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She was recovering on the ward where broadcaster and close friend Simon Fanshawe was a regular visitor.

Her treatment was completed at the end of January.

She said: "I feel wonderful, fantastic. I really want women to remember breast cancer isn't just about lumps. As for this event - I just wanted to celebrate it all being over.

"Simon and I talked about it and he just phoned Jo Brand and it went from there."

The party will be held at the Komedia in Brighton on April 6. Other performers include Barb Jungr and singer Sarah-Jane Morris. There are 200 £25 tickets, which can be booked on 01273 647100. For donations, contact The Pink Dolphin Appeal on 01273 562276.