Dozens of youngsters at a Moray private school have abseiled down a massive monument in an effort to combat a life-threatening illness.
More than 60 Gordonstoun girls took it in turns to descend from the roof of the school’s on-site chapel during the fundraising drive at the weekend.
The children have been moved to generate cash in the fight against Lupus, following the recent death of a past student who suffered from the condition.
The event carried a special significance for pupil, Sophia Irvine-Fortescue, because her mother has also been diagnosed with Lupus.
And there was an emotional moment when Sophia finished her 60ft abseil and was greeted at the foot of the chapel with a hug from her grateful mum, Wendy.
Lupus is incurable, can affect any part of the body, and weakens sufferers’ immune systems.
It is thought to be genetic in origin, and is most common among females aged between 18 and 45.
Sophia, who is also the captain of Gordonstoun’s Plewlands boarding house, said raising awareness of the complex condition was a major priority for her.
She added: “Many people do not know what Lupus is, and before my mother was diagnosed I was one of those people.
“This is why raising awareness and money for a charity which does so much for the people living with this potentially life-threatening disease is so important.
“I was excited about the abseil, and it felt great to step over the edge for a wonderful cause close to our hearts.”
The school was rocked when former pupil, Michelle Ramsay-Fraser, died of the illness three years ago, at the age of 24. She was diagnosed with an “incredibly aggressive” form of Lupus when she was 21.
The money raised during Saturday’s abseiling challenge, and by various other drives across the school, will be donated to the Lupus UK charity.
The housemistress at Plewlands House, Laura Paterson, spoke of her pride at the girls’ efforts.
She 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.
“Being a relatively unknown illness, we felt we ought to support the wonderful work Lupus UK do to help those suffering from the disease.”
