A GALASHIELS café owner who has lost 12 family members due to the huge earthquake in Turkey says he is “overwhelmed” by the generosity of the Borders public.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed after the earthquake struck south-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, last week.

Mr Esmer's cousin Sabri and his family were among those who died when their home collapsed.

Amid confusion in the country, the 47-year-old is trying to find the whereabouts of many other relatives.

Mr Esmer, who runs the Waffles N Brew in the Galashiels Interchange, launched an appeal for blankets, clothing and essential items in the aftermath of the disaster.

And within hours he was inundated with donations.

He told the Border Telegraph: "No words can describe how I am feeling right now. The Borders people have been so very generous by handing in donations and I am overwhelmed and very grateful.

“I have lost 12 family members so far and others need somewhere to stay.

“Cook’s Van Hire provided a van and waived their fee, so I only had to pay for the insurance and I’d like to thank them."

Last week with the help of his son Macaulay, 19, he made three trips to Edinburgh with full bags of much-needed goods.

And his fundraising page has surpassed the £2,500 mark – around 10 per cent of its overall target.

Mr Esmer, who moved from Turkey to Scotland more than 20 years ago and has become a much-loved figure in Galashiels after operating several businesses in the town, added: “In total I estimate that I collected over 100 bags which we delivered to the drop-off point in Leith Walk, for onward transmission to Turkey.

“But now the Turkish Consul say that they have enough items, so I am appealing for cash donations to my JustGiving page.

“That money will go the charity AHBAB to help the people from the Hatay region where my family are from. AHBAB are building containers for families to stay in.

“If anyone wants to donate they can do so at the café in the Interchange via a QR code.”

The death toll from the earthquake has risen to 33,000 but the United Nations have warned that figure could double.

AHBAB is helping to provide crucial resources – such as food, water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter – to those who have been affected by the disaster.

To donate to Mr Esmer's fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tekin-esmer