Back to school for charity gig
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FROM Les Miserables to the hits of rock band Queen an Easter Ross teenager is hoping an evening full of musical high notes will help ensure his participation in an international charity mission.
Former Invergordon Academy pupil Graeme Sutherland (19) is returning to the school on April 26 for the variety show.
It will be part of his effort to raise £1600 for First Aid Africa, a charity providing first aid training across the continent and helping spread life-saving skills to up to 8000 people every year.
Currently on a gap year Mr Sutherland is to volunteer with the charity in Malawi this summer as part of a small team teaching first aid to people in rural communities which otherwise have very little access to health care.
Mr Sutherland said: "According to the World Health Organisation injuries cause more deaths than malaria, HIV, tuberculosis and ebola combined.
"If the basic skills of First Aid were known to all countless lives could be saved. I believe that with my effort in Malawi I will make a significant difference by transferring these skills to the people in the rural communities I will travel to."
He added: "I’ve been involved with First Aid Africa since I applied and received a place for the 2018 expedition in November of last year.
"The idea was given to me by a nurse who volunteered with the same charity.
"She went on an expedition to Africa on a previous year to teach first aid and thoroughly recommended the organisation.
"I thought it sounded like an extremely worthwhile cause, so I applied soon after."
The fundraising concert, called Medley, is being organised by Mr Sutherland with support from friends including Invergordon Academy pupils, as well as well-wishers from Alness, Inverness and Nairn.
Mr Sutherland said: "Most of the acts performed were arranged and prepared especially for the concert, so an enormous amount of dedication and hard work has gone into this event."
Tickets priced £5 will be sold at the door on the night but can also be bought in advance by emailing medleytickets@outlook.com
