Amputee ready for sailing adventure

A double amputee is preparing to set sail on a global adventure after fearing he would never walk again.

Paul Johnson, 24, lost both of his legs in November 2014 when he was hit by an electric shock as he crossed a railway line in Glasgow.

It led to him spending months in hospital and rehabilitation as he was taught to walk again with prosthetics but after charity help he is preparing to set sail on a voyage from Gran Canaria.

It is the latest phase of his recovery since working with the Finding Your Feet charity, who Mr Johnson credits with rebuilding his confidence after the horrific accident.

“It was quite a turn of events,” he said.

“My head was a bit messed up at the time so I was drinking quite a fair amount and I was coming home late from a night out and tried to take a shortcut over train tracks.

“I don’t remember much from then but what I do remember is waking up about two hours later with my legs on fire.

“I had to roll over, put the fire out and drag myself over to grab my bag and phone myself an ambulance.

“I spent one month in intensive care and a few months in the burns ward at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. I then went to the Southern General for rehab and got fitted with prosthetics.”

Finding Your Feet was founded by Corinne Hutton who had both her hands and legs amputated.

The charity provides one-toone and group support to amputees and families through a range of projects.

Mr Johnson is now preparing to travel to Gran Canaria in January for a week-long trip at sea with charity the Jubilee Sailing Trust.

Paul is ready to set sail.