Double amputee takes to high seas as crewman with sights set on Falklands
A DOUBLE amputee is preparing to set sail on a global adventure after fearing he would never walk again.
Paul Johnson, 24, lost both his legs in an accident two years ago. Having previously struggled with alcoholism, he was crossing train tracks when he was knocked unconscious by the force of an electric shock and his legs caught fire.
Since then he has been supported by Scottish charity Finding Your Feet, which has provided rehabilitative support.
Now Mr Johnson, from Pollokshields, Glasgow, is embarking on an initial seven-day voyage to Gran Canaria which will take place in January.
During the initial voyage, he will be taking part in running the ship, from cooking to navigation and setting the sails, and will use his prosthetic legs and wheelchair to move around.
The aim is to qualify for a 40-day voyage from the Falkland Islands to South Africa next April, providing he handles the first test.
He said: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of Finding Your Feet. The team has helped me physically and emotionally since the accident, and are helping me turn my life around.
“I turned to alcohol
because of some issues at home, but I am in a different place now.
“Everything I learn and every challenge I come against on the sailing voyage will help me grow. I can’t wait.”
Since linking up with the charity Mr Johnson has also passed his driving test, started playing guitar again and taken part in cooking and gardening classes.
Finding You Feet provides one-to-one and group support to amputees and their families through a range of sporting initiatives and social inclusion projects.
It was established by Corinne Hutton after she lost both hands and lower legs due to pneumonia and septicaemia in 2013.
Mr Johnson added: “My brother got in touch with the charity almost immediately because he knew I would need all the support I could get.
“The charity were right on it and Corrine especially tried to help. She would call my brother and my aunties whenever she could to give support.”
Ms Hutton said: “[Paul] has gone from being house-bound in his wheelchair to walking on his prosthetics, and I can’t believe we’ll be seeing him at sea soon. I know he’ll do great.
“This kind of thing is what the charity is all about.”