Billy Mackay, from Kilbarchan, is joining a team of nine other outdoor enthusiasts on Ben Nevis for the gruelling Feet First Challenge to raise funds for local charity Finding Your Feet.

The charity was set up by Lochwinnoch’s own ‘bionic mum,’ Corinne Hutton, who has been hitting national headlines after becoming the first person in the UK to receive bionic limbs.

Courageous mum Corinne underwent a double amputation in June last year after contracting septicaemia while in hospital.

The 44-year-old was forced to have her hands and feet removed when she was left fighting for her life after being struck with severe pneumonia.

But instead of giving up, the brave mum-of-one, and her husband Russell, 39, set up a fund to buy her a pair of bionic hands and help other people suffering the same trauma.

The Finding Your Feet charity has become so successful that Corinne is to undergo the UK’s first double hand transplant later this year.

Mr Mackay, who came up with the idea for the challenge, said he was so touched by Corinne’s story that inspired him to take part in the climb.

But he revealed his motivation also came after he witnessed a friend lose his left after becoming ill.

“I was 17-years-old when one of my best friends became ill with cancer,” he told The Gazette. “He lost a leg to the disease and I witnessed first-hand the challenges that he faced every day.

“I remember clearly the realisation that anybody’s life can just change in an instant. Years later that same realisation struck me when I heard about Corinne’s illness.” Speaking of the inspiration Corinne has been, he added: “If you get the opportunity to listen to Corinne speak you will be struck by her drive to fix her body and then move on to help others in a similar position achieve everything they are capable of.

“Our aim is to complete the challenge and raise as much money as possible for a charity that really will change lives.” The team, whose members are also from Lochwinnoch, Baillieston, Greater Manchester, and London, will set off for the two-day challenge on July 5 which will see them walk for 21 miles on Ben Nevis, climb a cumulative 8,700 feet, and then cycle 30 miles.

Many of the team members tackling the challenge had little or no experience of hiking or mountain-biking, but were simply moved to take part after hearing Corinne’s story.

Inspiring single mum, Corinne, described the support she has received as “humbling.” She added: “The Feet First challengers are pushing themselves to their very limits and beyond, all in order to help me get back to health and to help others who, like me, find themselves facing life-changing trauma.

“I would urge all those in the area on July 5-6 to get out and cheer the team on.” To support the challengers and to make a donation, visit www.findingyourfeet.net