OVER 60 GORDONSTOUN pupils demonstrated remarkable courage in an effort to highlight a condition that took the life of one of their number.
The pupils from the Moray school – all girls – abseiled down the 60ft drop at the Plewlands Boarding House at the school to raise funds for Lupus UK.
Included in the 60 making the drop was Sophia Irvine-Fortescue, the captain of the boarding house – and whose mother has been diagnosed with the condition. Lupus is thought to be a genetic condition which weakens the immune system – currently, there is no cure.
It is believed to be genetic and more common in women aged between 18 and 45. The condition took the life of a former Gordonstoun pupil Michelle Ramsay-Fraser three years ago – giving more reason for the pupils, led by Sophia, to make the effort to raise funding towards research into the condition.
Sophia said: “Many people don’t know what Lupus is – and before my mother was diagnosed, neither did I. This is why raising awareness and money for a charity that does so much for people living with this potentially life-threatening disease is important.”
Laura Paterson, who is the house mistress at Plewlands House, added: “As a whole school the illness was sadly brought to our attention when one of our former pupils died from a form of the condition.
“We felt we ought to support the wonderful work of Lupus UK do in helping those suffering from the disease.”