An inspiring father and son duo have completed a gruelling 44-mile walk in aid of those affected by the earthquake in Turkey earlier this year.
Former Cumnock Academy teacher, and current Doon Academy favourite, Steven Kelly was joined on the River Ayr walk with his son Lynden.
The pair completed the challenge spread across three days after Steven made it his mission to help adopted Cumnock man Alican Kaplan, whose family members were affected by the devastating events in Turkery earlier this year.
Having moved to Cumnock from Turkey, The Best Marmaris takeaway owner Alican still has many family and friends back home, who were affected by the tragedy.
Thanks to his support of Steven's Cumnock Juniors 2016s team, Steven thought he would give something back and support Alican in this way.
Having set off on their journey on Monday, Steven and Lynden battled through all weathers to enjoy the glorious countryside of Ayrshire, and raise over £1,200 in the process.
The money will go towards helping Alican travel over to Turkey to support his family and friends - some of whom were even forced to sleep in their cars because of the effects of the earthquake.
"It was a memorable experience made more special by sharing it with my son," Steven said.
"We have been inspired by the natural beauty surrounding us. Every mile of this 44-mile meandering journey had us staring at history.
"I couldn't help but feel immensely proud to be an Ayrshire man born and bred.
"To cap it all off we enjoyed a wee fish supper down Ayr Beach front."
Despite being able to enjoy the challenge throughout, Steven kept the reason for the challenge at the forefront of his mind.
He added: "The most important aspect was why I undertook this challenge. It is to support Alican Kaplan's small Turkish community who were devastated by the earthquakes.
"Alican will travel to Turkey on April 24, 2023 and will take with him £1200 from the extraordinary people of Cumnock and surrounding areas.
"This is Cumnock Juniors 2016s' way of giving back to a local gentleman who has given so much to our team and his adopted town.
"We would like to wish Alican and his family the very best of luck. Safe travels and prayers to those affected by the tragedy."
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