CLIMBING Mount Kilimanjaro is a remarkable feat for anyone.
But listening to quadruple amputee Corinne Hutton detail her specific challenges, it's clear that to reach the summit will be an incredible achievement.
As well as the physical challenges of climbing 6000 metres from sea level, Corrine will also have to deal with the sores and swelling from her prosthetic limbs.
She also had to have two thirds of one of her lungs removed last year so dealing with the altitude will be an additional problem.
Corinne said: "I think it's the highest peak I could hope to achieve and is something I have wanted to do for such a long time.
"I have seen celebrities do it and thought how much I wanted to as well. Of course, I've seen celebrities fail to do it as well.
"But mind over matter.
"The only way I'm not doing it is if I'm being carried down the mountain in a stretcher. I'm determined to get there."
Corinne is joining a group of 11 who are attempting to summit Kilimanjaro to raise money for her charity, Finding Your Feet.
They hope to raise £50,000 for the organisation, which supports people with limb loss.
Corinne lost all four limbs five years ago after contracting sepsis and started the charity to help other families in similar situations.
She said: "My goal was to do a triathlon but as I saw the bunch of people sign up for Mount Kilimanjaro and saw what a great bunch of people they were, I had a petted lip.
"It's not like me not to try. I would rather try and fail than know I didn't take part."
The team will be leaving for Africa on September 29, taking six days to summit and two days to come down the mountain.
Their training to date has included taking part in the Kiltwalk in April and bagging a few Munros with some famous mountaineers joining them on their travels.
Corinne was given a gym schedule in January that she has been sticking to for nine months to prepare herself.
The group has also done smaller hill climbs and one overnight, which she said opened her eyes to how tough the experience will be.
She said: "I woke up in the morning and my legs were swollen but I had to keep going, I had to put my prosthetics on.
"Normally if I was in pain I would leave them off but this wasn't an option. But what I found was, the pain and swelling went down so that is really hopeful."
She added: "I'm hoping the buzz and euphoria of reaching the top will help me get back down.
"Coming down will be the harder part as it will be constant pressure on my legs."
Fiona Ross, a member of the expedition, said: “One of our training days was to Ben Lomond and Jamie Andrew - renowned mountaineer, motivational speaker and quadruple amputee - joined us and was able to share some tips and valuable advice on how to achieve our goal and make it to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
"We were also joined by Ricky Munday, a firm supporter of Finding Your Feet and who recently successfully climbed Everest.
“Everyone is now really excited about the trip and it will be a personal challenge for each of us and for a variety of different reasons.
“Loads of our family and friends have been so supportive of our fundraising and McGhees Bakery has very kindly sponsored our kit.
"We’ve even promised to take a couple of their donuts to the summit.”
Another member of the group is Laura Celino.
She added: “Corinne and I have been friends for many years and it was an easy decision to sign up to take part.
“I love Africa and Kili has always been on the bucket list - the fact that we can raise money for Finding Your Feet as well is just perfect.
“The charity does amazing work and runs support groups across the country for families affected by amputation and limb difference and for all ages.
“We have been fortunate to meet a number of people who’ve been helped by the charity and even Dennis the dog - the charities unofficial mascot who only has three legs.”
To find out more see www.findingyourfeet.net
To sponsor the team see the FYF Kilimanjaro fundraising pages at mydonate.bt.com/events/fyfclimbkili/453828?currentPage=3&update=new#donationsList
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