A RENFREWSHIRE mum who was Scotland’s first double hand transplant patient has been awarded an honorary degree.
Corinne Hutton, from Lochwinnoch, was thrilled to collect a doctorate from The Open University in Glasgow last week.
The quadruple amputee was recognised for her efforts to help others through the Finding Your Feet charity, which she created after losing both hands and her lower legs due to acute pneumonia and sepsis in 2013.
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She joined tennis coach Judy Murray – mum of Andy and Jamie, who went on to achieve world number one status in singles and doubles respectively – and crime writer Professor Louise Welsh in receiving a doctorate.
Corinne told The Gazette: “I’m flattered and humbled to be recognised by the Open University with an honorary doctorate.
“I don’t like to take the credit, as there is a whole team behind me at Finding Your Feet working tirelessly to improve the lives of amputees through various avenues of support. I wouldn’t be doing this without them.
“If it gets the word out about our charity and helps me meet more people who can help in a big way, then I’ll be delighted.”
Corinne, 49, received her replacement hands in January after enduring a six-year wait.
Doctors only gave her a five per cent chance of survival in 2013 as pneumonia and sepsis took their toll but she defied those predictions to create Finding Your Feet, which supports families affected by amputation and offers a range of sporting activities and social inclusion projects.
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“The amputees, or Troopers as we like to call them, are amazing people who have been through a lot,” said Corinne. “Seeing them thrive in situations big or small pushes me to keep doing the same.
“For me, the Open University signifies people taking on vast extra work in addition to their current daily duties to improve themselves and I’m truly grateful to be connected to that now.”
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