A Moray musician is hosting a poignant concert to fund her family’s work to provide aid to victims of hurricane devastation in the Caribbean.
Abi Rooley-Towle’s brother, two sisters and brother-in-law, who live in England, are currently in the British Virgin Islands providing vital relief with charity Rescue Global.
The Caribbean territory bore the brunt of Hurricane Irma last month as the storm flattened homes and cut off power supplies.
And now, the Alves singer-songwriter is eager to support her loved ones’ mission by raising money to support them.
Later this month, she will take to the stage with vocalist and guitarist Jerry Akehurst to perform heartfelt songs they have penned themselves.
Mrs Rooley-Towle said: “I’m really keen to build up my performance experience and wanted to support good causes – I have a strong personal link to Rescue Global.
“My family are deployed in the British Virgin Islands right now saving peoples’ lives, rescuing them and providing humanitarian aid as well as working on ways to make buildings hurricane-proof in the future.
“This is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to them for all the work they are doing.”
The singer, who also plays the flute and recorder, hopes her songs will encourage the audience to “open their hearts”.
Money raised from the two events will also support charity World Citizen Artists, which promotes aid work through artistic projects.
Mr Akehurst, who lives near Forres, has been writing songs for about 50 years, but has become more prolific recently since retiring as a social worker.
He said: “For me, the important thing is to write something that is real, truthful and that something I am happy with.
“I’m not on any kind of missionary cause. I really want to write something that stimulates peoples, arouses their interest and curiosity and stirs their feelings.”
The concerts will be held on Saturday, October 28 at Kinloss Church and on Saturday, November 4 at The Sunshine Room at The Park at the Findhorn Foundation.
Both events begin at 7.30pm and entry is by donation.
