CARLISLE'S Turkish community are full of sorrow and disbelief following the devastating earthquake near the Syrian border - which has so far claimed more than 37,000 lives.
Turkish authorities say about 13.5 million people have been affected since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake first struck southern-Turkey and Syria on February 6.
Those behind Pizza Italia on Botchergate, Natalie Black, Taha Yustyun and Huyesin Tanik have been collecting relief aid for the disaster close to home.
"I've lost my cousin (Sahil Azberkman), who is an eleven year old girl, she was amongst the volleyball team when a hotel collapsed. We just trying to help the people there, it's not like you see on the TV, everything is a lot worse than we are seeing," Huseyin said.
Sahil was amongst a group of 39 people - including boys' and girls' school volleyball teams- who were staying at the ten-story Isias Hotel in Adiyaman when the disaster hit.
In an interview with Channel 4, Sahil's mother Esra, the only teacher to survive the earthquake, described the distressing moment in which her youngest was found amongst with all the other students in the rubble in the hotel's basement.
The owners of Pizza Italia are appealing for anyone to stop by the Botchergate shop and donate clothes for children and adults, winter coats, boots, baby food, long lasting food, nappies, baby wipes, toys, tents, camp-beds and flash-lights to be sent across to those in need.
On a regular basis, they will be delivering Carlisle's collection to the Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association, who will be flying goods across to Turkey weekly.
They have also offered thanks to the other shops in the area who have supported the relief effort so far, including Pizza Planet; The Milk Bar; Warwick Fish & Chips; Blenderz Barber; Milanos Pizzeria; Sweet Station; Crusty Cobbler and Dantes Fish and Chips.
Cash donations can also be made via www.dgma.org.uk/donate (which will be used to buy relief aid).
"We'll continue this for a long time, it won't be a quick repair over a couple of months, this will take years and we will continue to donate," Natalie added.
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