A café owner who is battling cancer has thanked the Brockley community for supporting her family after two costly break-ins.

Thugs battered Masala Wala Café in Brockley Cross twice in a matter of months, which was a huge financial setback for the business.

The first incident was on January 15 when the building was left in a "complete state" after the front door was smashed.

Owner Saima Thompson, 29, was told she had stage four lung cancer three months later and said the latest break-in (September 8) was the last thing she needed.

However, residents Jane Martin and Nicola Johnson set up a fundraising campaign last week for a shutter to protect the café from future trouble.

READ MORE - Fundraiser for Masala Wala café after second break-in

More than £3,500 was raised in just 15 hours, which left Saima “truly blown away”.

She added to News Shopper: "We cannot thank this community and those around enough.

"After nearly four years of serving the Brockley community we are honoured to have received such great support.

"It is really beautiful to see the power of people in action and I cannot thank the gorgeous Nicola Johnson and Jane Martin for setting this campaign up.

"Love is amazing and we are feeling that this week, thank you south-east London for being behind me and my family it means the world."

The café has now applied to Lewisham Council for permission to erect the shutters.

Fundraiser Nicola Johnson said: "We are delighted, humbled and just so grateful to every single person who has donated. It is an absolute joy to live in and be part of this amazing community."

Saima said the reaction from the 98 donators has given her the strength to continue making Masala Wala Café an important Brockley asset.