A former Cumnock Academy teacher has set off on a 44-mile walking challenge in aid of a local man whose family and friends were badly hit by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria earlier this year.

Steven Kelly is taking on the challenge to help local businessman Alican Kaplan, who owns the very popular The Best Marmaris takeaway in Cumnock's main square.

Having moved to Cumnock from Turkey, Alican still has many family and friends back home, who were affected by the tragedy

Alican soon learned of friends that have died in the earthquake, and of family members of his who lost their home and were left to sleep in cars.

To raise funds for Alican to support his family, former Cumnock Academy teacher and current Cumnock Juniors youth coach Steven Kelly is taking on the challenge of walking the 44 miles of the River Ayr.

Cumnock Chronicle: Alican has been a huge supporter of the youth team, and Steven wants to give backAlican has been a huge supporter of the youth team, and Steven wants to give back (Image: Cumnock Juniors 2016s)

Now teaching at Doon Academy in Dalmellington, Steven said he wanted to give something back to his former pupil, who has been a big supporter of Steven's Cumnock Juniors squad.

Steven said: "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."

So far, Steven has raised over £1,000 to go towards support.

The popular teacher will be continuing with his challenge tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday.

"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.

"Let's raise as much money as we can to help his cause.

"I hope to raise as much money as I can to present to Alican in support of his family and friends."

You can support Steven's cause online at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steven-kelly.