Adam Thatcher will spend two weeks in Namibia next month as a volunteer with the Harnas Wildlife Foundation.

But before jetting off, the 18-year-old accomplished pianist and trumpeter will be performing a concert of classical, jazz and modern music at Whaley Bridge's Uniting Church this Saturday in support of the charitable organisation.

"The Harnas Wildlife Foundation is such a good cause. They get called out every week, picking up orphaned, neglected, abandoned or abused animals," explained Adam.

"After watching different wildlife programmes on television, and seeing people caring for the animals, I thought it would be such a rewarding experience to go out there.

"The jobs I could be doing include feeding and rearing the animals."
Situated 300 kilometres east of the country's capital, Windhoek, the Harnas Wildlife Foundation, whose patron is movie star Angelina Jolie, is situated on a former cattle farm.

Today it covers a 10,000 hectare site, accommodating a vast array of animals including cheetahs, leopards, lions, vultures, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras and meerkats.

The concert at Whaley Bridge Uniting Church this Saturday, starting at 7pm, will raise money towards the organisation's running costs, covering anything from staff and transportation costs to food and medicine for the animals.

Playing piano and accompanied solo trumpet, Adam will perform an array of musical pieces by Debussy, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin and Schonberg.

Added the former Chapel High School pupil: "I have been playing music for over ten years now, it is something I really enjoy, and I thought it would be nice to use one of my strengths and skills for the benefit of the Foundation."

There will also be some guest singers and debut concert performances of Adam's own compositions.

Admission is free. Donations received after the concert will go towards the Harnas Wildlife Foundation. For more information, call 01298 815761.