Westcliff: David's greatest gift is sharing...

David Stanley is a talented young musician who has already accompanied the famous percussionist Evelyn Glennie during a masterclass.

Now he is using his gift to help others. However, his generosity won't end with the concert he's planning to give on July 30; neither is that the start of his philanthropy.

David, 23, is committed to a very special charity.

The young musician from Brendon Way, Westcliff, joined Shared Leisure as a volunteer five years ago.

It's a charity that matches able-bodied volunteers with a disadvantaged friend allowing them to share leisure activities.

The group was originally set up in Southend by Mencap and is now run by Southend Social Services.

"My role as a volunteer involves me sharing some leisure time with Tony Pheasant who suffers from Downs syndrome," explains David, who is a trained pianist and percussionist.

"The relationship has so many benefits to so many people. Firstly, carers are given a break. Secondly, Tony has a friend of approximately the same age with whom he can build a special relationship and, finally, I get to do things that I never would have done before.

"For example, since Christmas we have been horse riding once or twice a month, so I have learnt to ride!"

Other activities that David has enjoyed with Tony include going to the gym, swimming, trips to the circus and ten-pin bowling.

"Moderate expenses are covered by Shared Leisure," explains David. "So the volunteer gives nothing other than his or her time and friendship - the most rewarding gift you could give."

David, who has grown up in Southend, is well aware of the needs of the charity.

The group needs more volunteers to befriend people like Tony - especially young men. It also needs money to make it all happen.

"I want to use my musical opportunities to raise money and awareness for the charity that I work for," explains David who was a pupil at Southend High School for Boys before studying music at Kings College University, London.

David plans to give a recital on piano and electric organ at the Salvation Army Hall, Leigh, on Sunday, July 30 to help raise much-needed cash for the charity.

He is used to entertaining, having years of experience playing in orchestras and as an entertainer for tea dances, weddings and in retirement homes.

He has already played as principal percussionist with the South Essex Youth Orchestra and the Southend Philharmonic and teaches children the delights of the piano, percussion and the theory of music as a peripatetic teacher all around south Essex.

When not teaching he has worked with the contemporary composers Sir Harrison Birtwhistle, Simon Holt, Simon Bainbridge and David Bedford.

He has played the Wurlitzer theatre organ at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, and recorded a CD with the soprano Felicity Redman.

But despite this heady CV he is a down-to-earth chap with a great deal of humility. I would appreciate some publicity on this because it might encourage others to become volunteers like me," he says.

"I am busy being a full-time student and music teacher but have the time to give a few hours a month.

"Shared Leisure are in desperate need for funds and volunteers to maintain and expand this organisation so that more people in need can enjoy various leisure activities.

"It will also give their carers some respite."

The concert that David is planning will be part of the Prelude Concert Series, which has been founded to give young and novice performers a platform for their skill.

Attendance of the Prelude concerts is by donation, minimum £1, with all proceeds going to the performer, or in David's case, the charity.

David's recital will be at the Salvation Army Hall, Glendale Gardens, Leigh, on Sunday, July 30 at 7.30pm.

Keyed up - David Stanley with his friend Tony Phesant who he met through the Southend charity Shared Leisure

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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