Corinne in quest to conquer Kilimanjaro to help others
CLIMBING Mount Kilimanjaro is a remarkable feat for anyone.
But listening to quadruple amputee Corinne Hutton talk of the challenge, it’s clear that for her to reach the summit would be an incredible achievement.
As well as the physical challenge of ascending 6000m from sea level, Corrine will also have to deal with the sores and swelling from her prosthetic limbs.
She also had two thirds of a lung removed last year so dealing with the altitude will be an additional problem.
Corinne said: “I think it’s the highest peak I could hope to achieve and is something I have wanted to do for such a long time.
“I have seen celebrities do it and thought how much I wanted to do it as well. Of course, I’ve seen celebrities fail to do it as well – but, it’s mind over matter.
“The only way I’m not doing it is if I’m being carried down the mountain in a stretcher. I’m determined to get there.”
Corinne is joining a group of 11 who are attempting to summit Kilimanjaro to raise money for her charity, Finding Your Feet.
They hope to raise £50,000 for the organisation, which supports people with limb loss.
Corinne lost her lower legs and hands five years ago after contracting sepsis and started the charity to help others in a similar situation.
She said: “My goal was to do a triathlon but when I saw the group sign up for Mount Kilimanjaro, and saw what a great bunch they were, I had a petted lip.”
She added: “It’s not like me not to try. I would rather try and fail than know I didn’t take part.”
The team will be leaving for Africa on September 29, and will take six days to summit and two days to come down the mountain.
Their training has included taking part in the Kiltwalk in April and bagging a few munros with some famous mountaineers joining them.
Corinne was given a gym schedule in January that she has been sticking to for nine months.
The group has also done smaller hill climbs and one overnight, which Corinne said opened her eyes to how tough it will be.
She said: “I woke up in the morning and my legs were swollen but I had to keep going, I had to put my prosthetics on. Normally if I was in pain I would leave them off but this wasn’t an option. But what I found was, the pain and swelling went down – so that’s really hopeful.”
She added: “I’m hoping the buzz and euphoria of reaching the top will help me get back down. Coming down will be the harder part as it will be constant pressure on my legs.”
Expedition member Fiona Ross said: “One of our training days was to Ben Lomond and Jamie Andrew – renowned mountaineer, motivational speaker and quadruple amputee – joined us and shared some tips and valuable advice on how to achieve our goal.
“We were also joined by Ricky Munday, a firm supporter of Finding Your Feet and who recently successfully climbed Everest.
“Everyone is now really excited about the trip and it will be a personal challenge for each of us.
“Loads of our family and friends have been so supportive of our fundraising and McGhees Bakery has very kindly sponsored our kit.
“We’ve even promised to take a couple of their donuts to the summit.”
Another member of the group is Laura Celino, who said: “Corinne and I have been friends for many years and it was an easy decision to sign up to take part.
“I love Africa and Kili has always been on the bucket list – the fact that we can raise money for Finding Your Feet as well is just perfect.
“We have been fortunate to meet a number of people who’ve been helped by the charity and even Dennis the dog, the charity’s unofficial mascot, only has three legs.”
To find out more see www. findingyourfeet.net