JESSICA Hall, a freelance violinist with the Stamford Orchestra, who perform in Altrincham Market Hall, was delighted when their concert on August 8, raised £2,000 for her charity, Music for Kenya.

She started it 18 months ago, after accompanying her dad, Chris, when he visited the child he supports through the Gathimba Edwards Foundation.

Although she plays for leading UK orchestras including the Halle, Jessica is passionate about bringing music to the community. She has even worked in the mental health ward of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

“Music can reach people who have closed down their communication,” she said.

“I took my violin to Kenya and set up meetings with underprivileged primary schools.

“When I played Scottish folk music, they liked its rhythmic side.

“I believe that music can bring quality of life to children who don’t have much.”

The charity’s biggest challenge will come next January when Jessica, 26, and 11 other professional musicians will visit Kenya.

She has composed a piece for the children called Red Riding Hood.

Jessica herself, helped by a Kenyan friend, will narrate it in both English and Swahili which she is busily learning. The wolf will be illustrated by a trombone, Little Red Riding Hood, a flute, the hunter who saves her, a French horn and grandmama, an oboe.

After working creatively with song and dance for a week in four primary schools, each visit will end with a concert including the children.

Every evening the musicians will visit two orphanages. They will also attend the children’s hospital in Eldoret as well as a special needs school.

“We want the legacy of our music to remain so it can continue when we aren’t there,” said Jessica. whose late mother, who always wanted to support children in a developing country, would have been proud.