Fighting Spirit Award for Stonyhurst Student

Caroline Shorthouse from Blackburn has won the Adult Fighting Spirit Award at the 13th annual Breathing Life Awards, hosted at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in London, an outstanding achievement for the 16-year old Stonyhurst pupil, who suffers from cystic fibrosis (CF).

Caroline received the award during a star-studded ceremony where she met celebrities from TV, sport and music, including Jenny Agutter, Caroline Smilie, Gail Porter and Ben Shephard.

'I'm thrilled that I have won the award and it was wonderful to inter-react with other people who have CF,' said Caroline. 'It was a fantastic experience, meeting all the people I only usually see on the TV.'

Recognised for her academic and sporting achievements, Caroline has never let her medical condition stop her from enjoying life to the full.  She plays hockey and will be touring South Africa later this year.  As a member of the Combined Cadets Force at Stonyhurst she has experienced 48-hour training exercises, walking expeditions, and an adventure training camp.

'We are so proud of Caroline and her achievements,' said Mr David Eachus, Head of Year 10 at the Jesuit College situated in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. 'She is a real inspiration to others and never lets her condition get in her way.'

The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of inspiring people that have CF.  A Sky TV crew visited Stonyhurst last April to film Caroline for inclusion in their Real Lives programme and broadcasted the awards ceremony last week.


 Stonyhurst College

 Breathing Life Awards