THE Barrhead community came together to coin in cash for a cancer charity at a popular café after its owner revealed her own diagnosis.

Alma Reid, 51, is set to undergo treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, which affects the white blood cells and tends to progress slowly over many years.

But the mum-of-two has refused to let the diagnosis get her down and invited locals into Alma’s Deli on Friday to raise much-needed funds for Leukaemia Care.

For Alma, the day was also a chance to raise awareness of her condition, which she feels is not fully understood.

Barrhead News:

She told the Barrhead News: “People know about different types of cancer but, if you said to them you have Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, they probably wouldn’t know what you are talking about.

“There are hundreds of different types of blood cancers but people don’t know anything about them. I didn’t – until my diagnosis.

Barrhead News: Councillor Angela Convery (front row, third from left) and MSP Tom Arthur (back row) joined fundraisers at Alma's Cafe. Councillor Angela Convery (front row, third from left) and MSP Tom Arthur (back row) joined fundraisers at Alma's Cafe.

“I am one of the lucky ones, as my condition is manageable.”

The café was packed as guests enjoyed a book sale, a cuppa and the chance to find out more about the charity.

A total of £800 was raised, with more donations on the way.

Barrhead News:

“We were donated a fantastic amount of prizes,” said Alma. “We were so fortunate that so many generous people turned up and the place was packed the whole day.

“It was fabulous and we are so grateful to everyone who gave up their time.”

For more information on Leukaemia Care, visit leukaemiacare.org.uk.