KIND-hearted pupils have re-created a school photograph to include an inspirational classmate who has raised thousands of pounds for charity after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

North Berwick High School pupil Rebecca Dalgleish was diagnosed with a malignant peripheral sheath tumour (MPNST) earlier this year.

Doctors told her that she had at least six months to live but it was unlikely to be years.

The 17-year-old was unable to attend the S6 year photograph last September because she was in hospital.

But last week, fellow S6 pupils did their bit to help raise money for the teenager.

Lauren Rodger, headteacher at North Berwick High School, told the Courier: “[Rebecca] was really disappointed to miss it, so her friends arranged for another photo to be taken last week.

“This was a more informal photo, with the pupils dressed in their casual clothes rather than in their school uniforms.

“The whole year group turned up and there was lots of laughter as they prepared for the photo.

“Each S6 pupil was asked to give a donation and they raised over £340, which Rebecca was delighted about.” After being diagnosed, Rebecca set out to raise as much money as possible for CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland).

The teenager, from Kingston, was overwhelmed by the generosity of not just her classmates but also family, friends and complete strangers, which have seen her fundraising efforts soar to more than £17,000 – more than three times her initial target.

The charity is the only one of its kind in Scotland that provides vital hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

Rebecca said: “I cannot believe how much money has been raised.

“I’ve not really grown up but my mum and dad say it is a lot of money – you can put down a deposit for a house with £20,000.” That is just part of the fundraising efforts by youngsters at North Berwick High School, though.

Mrs Rodger added: “Rebecca has been amazing in her determination to raise money for CHAS and she has certainly inspired many of her classmates, teachers and younger pupils to get involved in fundraising too.

“We have held a number of fun events already, including a masked Valentine’s ball, which was very successful.

“There are further events planned, the biggest of which is a family fun run around the Lodge Grounds on a Saturday in May; we hope to get the whole school community involved – pupils, parents and teachers – raising money and having fun.

“What is very special about what Rebecca is doing is that she is raising awareness of the work of CHAS, as well as raising funds.

“The pupils of North Berwick High, and especially Rebecca’s classmates, have a much better understanding of how CHAS can support young people and their families.

“Rebecca is certainly a very special young woman and we are very proud of all that she is doing for CHAS.” And that was just part of what is shaping up to be a busy few weeks for Rebecca.

On Saturday, Fidra Lions Hockey Club held a race night, with a portion of the funds going to CHAS.

That raised in the region of £600, with more than £200 of that total going towards CHAS.

And tonight (Friday), Rebecca travels to Glasgow, along with mum Pam, to see McBusted.

The six-piece pop supergroup, made up of McFly plus Matt Willis and James Bourne, from Busted, are currently on tour across Great Britain.

The band sent Rebecca a heartfelt video message from the first leg of their ‘Most Excellent Adventure Tour’ in Australia last month.

They said: “Hi Rebecca, we are McBusted and we are in Adelaide, Australia, on tour with One Direction. We are having lots of fun and just wanted to send you lots of love and positive thoughts down the camera.

“So, we are thinking of you Rebecca and sending you all the love in the world.” The 45-second video then ends with the band blowing a kiss to the camera and waving goodbye.

Now, Rebecca could have the chance to meet them when she heads to Glasgow’s SSE Hydro on the second night of the British leg of their tour.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to it and so is my mum.” Then, tomorrow (Saturday) night, there is a film and quiz night at Gullane Village Hall.

The event has been organised by fellow school pupils Amy Irvine and Fraser Scott.

Finally, the Flying Aspidistras will be taking to the stage at Dirleton Kirk next Sunday (March 22) at 7.30pm. The night of classical and jazz music is free with donations to CHAS.

To make a donation to CHAS and to back Becky, go to www.justgiving.com/Rebecca-Dalgleish or read her blog at beccadalgleish.wordpress.com