Southwold: Woman's plea to help Turkey earthquake survivors

Zuhal Tobin, wife of former Southwold mayor Simon Tobin, was born in Turkey and was in Istanbul on family business when the earthquake hit.

Zuhal Tobin, wife of former Southwold mayor Simon Tobin, was born in Turkey. (Image: Zuhal Tobin)

"I immediately turned on the television and all the channels were covering the story live", she said.

"It was heartbreaking to see the devastation and loss of life."

Mrs Tobin returned home to Southwold and heard that her brother, who lives closer to the earthquake zone in Mersin, had felt the aftershock.

He and his wife spent the night outside, frightened that buildings might collapse around them.

"Some of my brother's close friends have lost their homes and their family," said Mrs Tobin.

"They've lost everything. People are sleeping in tents because they have nowhere else to go.

"They're screaming out for help."

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated wide areas of Turkey and Syria, killed over 50,000 people. (Image: PA)

Determined to make a difference, Mrs Tobin has been fundraising for Turkey-based charity Abhap which provides volunteers to give direct support and aid to the worst-affected areas. 

READ MORE: Calls for Suffolk support after earthquake hit Turkey

She and her husband Simon Tobin held a quiz night at the Red Lion in Southwold where they raised over £1,000 to support the cause.

Many of the local shops and businesses donated raffle prizes, while the Red Lion hosted the event and provided refreshments.

Mrs Tobin added: "The kindness and generosity of our local community has been truly overwhelming.

"I have been so moved that so many people have responded to the plight of my country.

"It has been a wonderful example of a local community helping an international community in a practical way."

Mrs Tobin is continuing in her fundraising efforts, adding: "The more I find out, the more I feel the need to help them."