Corinne Hutton, the founder of the charity, Finding Your Feet, which supports people affected by amputation or limb difference, received an Honorary Doctorate from University of the West of Scotland (UWS) at its graduation ceremony on Thursday 17 November 2016 at Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church, Paisley.
Corinne established Finding your Feet following her own serious illness in 2013 which led to the amputation of her hands and feet.
During her illness her family set up a fund to raise money for her to be fitted with bionic hands, however Corinne promised that once she was well enough she would turn the fund into a charity to help other amputees. Corinne defied the odds to make a remarkable recovery and within four months walked a mile through Glasgow on prosthetic legs to raise awareness of the charity.
Corinne devotes her life to Finding Your Feet, which has the backing of celebrities such as Gerard Butler and Andy Murray, and provides support to those with limb loss through sporting initiatives and social inclusion projects.
Corinne also recently hit the national news for posing naked in support of the Organ Donation Campaign. Corinne’s body was painted with organs that are deemed to be transplantable and her image beamed onto London landmarks including the Royal Opera House and Waterloo Station.
Corinne said: “I’m very flattered and to be honest, a little embarrassed, to be honoured in this way. I realise that it is a huge compliment though and recognition of our work at Finding Your Feet, helping amputees recover their lives, their jobs, their passions and their confidence after such a traumatic experience and, in fact to be even better as a result. I hope I set a good example of what is achievable. Thank you to UWS for recognising this.”
Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to award Corinne with an Honorary Doctorate. She has shown great personal courage in adversity and is an inspiration to us all.
“Thanks to Corinne’s continued tireless work on behalf of Finding Your Feet, people affected by amputation or limb difference now have a hugely important support network available to them. She is a truly deserving recipient of this award.”
You can read the full article here