The owner of SARK Restaurant, in Maldon High Street, has urged the public to support his appeal for disaster relief donations following two huge earthquakes in Turkey.

Sami Barli, who runs two popular restaurants in Maldon, is from Turkey, where at least 3,000 people are said to have been killed.

He told Nub News: "The place where I grew up is currently under rubble.

"There is no water, no food, no blankets - people are cold. We would like to help."

Sami and former Maldon Town Mayor, Abdul "Jhual" Hafiz, have organised an emergency fundraiser which will take place this Sunday (February 12) from 12 noon until 8pm.

All food served at SARK on Sunday will be free - customers are instead asked to donate the cost of their meal to the appeal. Food will also be available from Maldon Spice but served at SARK.

All proceeds raised will go directly to providing food and blankets for the victims of the recent earthquakes.

Last summer, Sami and Jhual collaborated on a campaign to support victims of record-breaking floods in Bangladesh. Together, they raised over £9,000 and helped to rebuild 239 homes.

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