A GRIEVING Galashiels café owner who has lost close family members in the Turkey earthquake is appealing for help from people in the Borders.
Tekin Esmer who runs the Waffles N Brew cafe in the Galashiels Interchange discovered yesterday that his cousin Sabri and his family died when their home in Iskenderun collapsed during the earthquake.
And the 47-year-old who relocated to Scotland 20 years ago is now desperately trying to find out about many other family members.
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There is limited internet in the country but after hours of trying he was able to contact his two brothers and their families.
Donations on his fundraising page have already passed £1,500 in less than 24-hours and he has collected numerous bags of clothing and blankets which will be taken to a drop off point in Edinburgh tonight for onward transmission to Turkey tomorrow.
He said: "No words can describe how I am feeling tight now.
“At least the critical 72-hour period is finished and now the search and rescue operation can continue.
“My brothers and their families are now on the streets as their houses are too badly damaged to go back into.
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At least 50% of my hometown has been destroyed and it will take years to repair it.
"Last night one of my brothers had only two blankets to keep seven of them warm.
“They have nothing and their homes are being knocked down as they are unsafe. It is freezing cold there and it is terrifying.
“Last night it was minus three degrees and snowing. Just imagine having to sit out in the snow all night.
“My customers have been very good and I have been collecting money and clothes which I am taking to a drop off point in Edinburgh tonight. The clothes will be taken to the Turkish Consul before being flown to Turkey tomorrow.
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“I will be leaving Galashiels around 4pm so if anyone wants to donate then just hand things into the café before that or if not they can donate on my just giving page.
“But I really want to help the people from Iskenderun and I am in discussion with others about hiring a van and taking essential items over once the roads are fully open.”
Suggested items include: coats, boots, jumpers, trousers, gloves, scarves, socks, underwear, tens, bedding, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, flasks, torches (without batteries), canned food, nappies, sanitary pads and cleaning products.
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