Alican Kaplan is a local businessman and pillar of Cumnock's community. He owns the very popular takeaway 'The Best Marmaris' in the town's square.Having taught Alican, when he first arrived from Turkey, at Cumnock Academy I have gotten to know both he and his family very well, over the years. Most recently, Alican sponsored my Cumnock Juniors 2016s football team's new away kit. He is a gentleman and will do anything to help anyone. His native Turkey was hit very hard with the earthquakes disaster and some Alican's family and friends were sadly killed or injured. Having reached out to him, he made it very clear the severity of the situation with many people homeless and in desperate need of aid. Time to spring into action. How do I support this young man in his hour of need? Let's raise as much money as I can to help his cause. I plan to tackle the 44 miles River Ayr Walk, over the course of 3 consecutive days in April 2023. I hope to raise as much money as I can to present to Alican in support of his family and friends. Any support would be gratefully received. On behalf of Alican and his family. Thank You ❤️🙏🏻🇹🇷

Messages I received from Alican in the aftermath of the tragedy.....

Hi Steven no they are not safe lots of my friends are died and my family need to sleep in the car and getting worst😭

Sir am trying to help my people who’s in turkey they’re not even one house left to stay they’re all sleeping in the car and streets and am trying if u or ur friends are able to help me help my family and if u and ur friends are able to help me there’s only one way and it’s money if u trust me and I can prove everything ?

The situation is desperate as you will have witnessed on the media.

Turkey is like a home from home for me personally. I have holidayed there many times. It is a beautiful country, steeped in history with some of the friendliest and hardest working citizens in the world. Let us offer these people ' a cup of human kindness'.

3rd - 5th April 23