A LOCHWINNOCH woman who set up her own charity to support amputees has told how fundraising has “completely fallen off a cliff” during the coronavirus lockdown.

Corinne Hutton, founder of Finding Your Feet, said it is a worrying time for worthy causes as people are unable to get out and about to take part in sponsored events.

She told The Gazette: “The fundraising has completely fallen off a cliff recently, as no-one has been able to do any sponsored events and there’s been so many fundraising events we’ve had to cancel, which means our income has completely gone.

“Everything we do is about getting people out of isolation but, because of the coronavirus, they’re now back in isolation again and we have to work really hard to make sure they don’t fall into a dark hole they can’t recover from.”

Corinne lost her hands and feet in 2013 after suffering acute pneumonia and sepsis.

She set up Finding Your Feet with the aim of helping amputees to remain independent and connected to society.

Corinne has offered her charity’s offices at St James House, in Paisley, to the NHS to help treat sick people during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Meanwhile, philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter has given Finding Your Feet a much-needed financial boost during these troubling times.

The Gazette: Sir Tom Hunter Sir Tom Hunter

Sir Tom has offered to plug the gap left by the cancellation of this month’s Glasgow Kiltwalk due to the virus outbreak. 

Sir Tom, of The Hunter Foundation, which underwrites the kiltwalk, has now announced he will double the funds raised, instead of his planned 50 per cent increase.

Corinne has described Sir Tom’s gesture as “incredibly generous.”
“I’m so grateful,” she added. “I’ve proposed to Sir Tom on Twitter...I don’t think his wife will mind.”