CHARITY campaigner Corinne Hutton recently teamed up with the man who inspired her to keep going when she lost her hands and legs.

Ms Hutton, who founded the charity Finding Your Feet, helped Jamie Andrew OBE to tutor fellow amputees in the art of climbing at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.

After losing her limbs to a devastating illness three years ago, Ms Hutton contacted quadruple amputee Mr Andrew and has taken much from his guidance, support and their ensuing friendship.

On Saturday, March 12, the pair joined forces to give other amputees the chance to try a sport that many would consider beyond their ability.

Ms Hutton, who lives near Beith, said: “When we decided to launch climbing sessions for amputees, Jamie was the obvious choice to help show how those who have lost limbs can take part in this sport in just the same way as able-bodied individuals can.”

Glasgow-born Mr Andrew lost his limbs to frostbite in 1999 when, at the height of his climbing career, a storm trapped him and his climbing partner for five days after they had completed the North Face of Les Droites in the French Alps. While the ensuing helicopter rescue was one of the most spectacular in the history of the Alps, unfortunately it came too late for his climbing partner. Mr Andrew survived despite severe frostbite and hypothermia. Later in hospital, his hands and feet had to be amputated.

Despite his amputations, the father-of-three has continued to climb and has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity along the way.

Ms Hutton said: “When I lost my limbs, I thought my life was over. Jamie visited me and made me realise it was quite the opposite – I had the opportunity, if I chose, to do incredible things. I read Jamie’s book in hospital and took on board his mantra ‘nothing is impossible’ and I try to remember that every day.”

She has since followed in Mr Andrew’s footsteps bybecome the first female quadruple amputee to conquer Ben Nevis, which she climbed in July 2015. Since setting up the charity, she has raised more than £250,000 to help other amputees and has been recognised with a series of awards, most recently having been awarded the Freedom of Renfrewshire.

In December, she was invited to Downing Street to meet Prime Minister David Cameron.

Jamie said: “I’m delighted to be able to support Finding Your Feet and to share some of my climbing experience with those who perhaps lack confidence in their abilities.”

Finding Your Feet offers emotional, financial and practical support to those with amputations or with acquired or congenital limb deficiencies. For more information visit findingyourfeet.net.