Ex-Marine's appeal to help endangered species

Dale Edwards and partner Emma want to highlight the desperate need for greater protection for some of Africa’s most endangered species, which come closer to extinction every day through poaching.

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And despite the issue occurring thousands of miles away, the couple from Hindley Green have organised a ladies night in a bid to boost funds and awareness of the Veterans For Wildlife project.

Dale, 31, has previously travelled to South Africa to volunteer for charity, which pairs veterans with anti-poaching programmes.

He was one of two veterans offering basic tactical and first aid training to rangers at Nambiti Game Reserve in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Anti-poaching rangers in Africa are engaged in an ongoing battle to protect endangered wildlife, such as rhinos and elephants, from heavily armed poachers.

He used experience gained in his tours of Iraq and Afghanistan to train Nambiti’s rangers and improve the standards and professionalism of the units tasked with protecting the animals.

Dale, who works in maritime security since leaving the Marines, said he hoped his volunteering opportunity would give him a greater insight into the measures currently in place to prevent poaching.

He said: “It’s become an ambition of mine to help protect the natural world for the next generation.”

He added: “It’s only with an integrated and inclusive approach for the people of Africa that we can educate people who may otherwise be persuaded to take up poaching, in the need to protect and appreciate wildlife.”

The event will take place on Saturday August 25 at the Summat To Ate restaurant in Market Street, Hindley.

A DJ, makeup artists and butlers will all be on hand to entertain the ladies from 6.45pm. Tickets are priced at £15 and can be purchased by calling Emma on 07502405187.

Proceeds will go to the Veterans For Wildlife charity. The international charity committed to the protection of wildlife and the world’s critically endangered species. By deploying highly-skilled and experienced former service personnel, it aims to play a key role in conservation and the prevention of wildlife crime.

Its programmes offer a unique opportunity to veterans, transitioning into civilian life, to continue to make a positive impact on society.

To find out more visit veterans4wildlife.org