Moray woman battles illness to complete medical degree

Illness made the journey a long haul for Eleanor Dempster.

But the Moray woman finally celebrated picking up a degree in medicine from Aberdeen University yesterday.

Mrs Dempster was forced to take three years out of her course after being struck by lupus in her second year.

The 39-year-old relocated to Elgin with her husband Ben, whom she met when they were both in the Royal Air Force.

Her time at university was a momentous one, because she had three children Beth, Lucy and Emily during this period.

She said: “I was originally a language graduate, but I moved to Moray with my husband who I met at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell.

“I decided to go back and study as a mature student.

“I travelled to Aberdeen on the 6.34am train to study.

“I had to take time out when I got lupus, so it took me ten years to get here, but it feels absolutely amazing.

“During the course, I got to do placements at Raigmore Hospital and Dr Gray’s and I’ll be staying in Elgin.

“It’s a great place to bring up a family.”

Mrs Dempster will take up a role in general surgery at Dr Gray’s and her long-term plan is to become a GP.