Kirkcaldy woman's fundraiser for causes close to her heart

Alea Carr works at The Estuary Bar in the town’s Links Street and she is currently running a hamper raffle at the pub to raise money for Alopecia UK and Blood Cancer UK.

The 20-year-old said that as September is awareness month for both conditions, she is running the raffle throughout this month and the draw will take place on September 30.

Alea revealed that she chose these two charities as she has had alopecia since she was young and her mum Debi has an uncommon form of blood cancer.

She said: “I wanted to do something that would get my local community and customers involved and the excitement of possibly winning a prize is something which I know many people enjoy.

“I have done charity work in the past as I have shaved my hair off, donated it and raised £1000 for Alopecia UK, but this time I wanted to do something where I could get others involved.

“I have had alopecia since I was eight years old which stripped me of all my confidence at one time and made me ashamed of my bald patches. But I realised this was something that could only make me stronger which is why I can now embrace it and use it to educate others.

“While my mum has an uncommon form of blood cancer called Essential Thrombocythemia that affects her platelets and causes her to bleed heavily as well as feeling very fatigued and always in pain. She was diagnosed last year but has since remained strong.”

She continued: “It’s so important to raise money for these two charities as these conditions have affected myself and my family. I am hoping to raise £200 so I can give at least £100 to each charity and I have almost reached that target already.”

There are three hampers to be won and the prizes include: alcohol, vouchers, bath sets, fragrances and Scentsy products.

Those who want to buy raffle tickets or make a donation can purchase them at the pub and staff will provide them at a cost of £2 a strip. (£1 to each charity).

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