OUR Scotswoman of the Year has been named as one of 2020’s most influential people with a disability.
Dr Cor Hutton, who had both her hands and feet amputated after developing sepsis, was praised by list organisers the Shaw Trust “for improving perceptions of disabilities and removing the stigma of being ‘different’.”
The Power 100 List is an annual publication of the most influential disabled people in the UK. This year’s list also includes TV presenter Nikki Fox, triathlete Sam Holness and comedian Lee Ridley (Lost Voice Guy) who won last year’s Britain’s Got Talent.
Cor, who was named 2019 Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year for her inspirational work supporting fellow amputees, said: “I’m delighted and flattered to be included personally but it’s only because all at Finding Your Feet are so invested in making sure amputees in our community are supported, included and encouraged.
“This has become even more important during a national pandemic, where the life-risking mental effects of the isolation we’re trying to prevent, has become essential to medically save lives.”
She added: “We’ve had to adjust and adapt so quickly to ease the negative effect on our Troopers.”
The Lochwinnoch businesswoman, who has one son, Rory, was given a five percent chance of survival in 2013 when she developed pneumonia and sepsis.
Within four months of losing her limbs, she defied expectations when she walked a mile on prosthetic legs through Glasgow to raise awareness of Finding Your Feet, the charity she had set up to help others.
The charity has changed – and even saved – the lives of many amputees and their families, raising more than £2m pounds in the process.
Cor has carried the Commonwealth Games baton, received the Freedom of Renfrewshire, been given the Points of Light award by Prime Minister David Cameron and is regularly included in Inspirational Women of the Year awards.
She was the first female amputee to reach the summit of Ben Nevis and complete the London Triathlon, and she became the first female quadruple amputee to climb Kilimanjaro in 2018.
Last year, Cor became the first Scot to receive a double hand transplant. She continues to campaign to raise awareness of the need for organ, tissue and limb donors, to spot the signs of sepsis and prevention methods to reduce the need for amputation.
The Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year gala dinner, due to be held in M arch in association with St Enoch Centre, and supported by Grand Central Hotel, Scottish Passenger Agents Association, Mackay & Inglis and Jones Whyte LLP, was postponed following the coronavirus outbreak.
Cor was one of six finalists for the main award, which recognises the achievements of an inspirational woman who has made a remarkable contribution to Scottish society.
She was shortlisted alongside homelessness activist Zakia Moulaoui from Edinburgh; autism champion Vicki McCarthy, from Greenock; children’s fitness visionary Elaine Wyllie, from Stirling; suicide support charity founder Pauline Moriarty, from Troon; and world-leading infertility researcher Dr Sarah Martins Da Silva, from Dundee.
Climate change campaigner Holly Gillibrand, from Fort William, won the 2019 Young Scotswoman of the Year award. The teenager was shortlisted alongside courageous fundraiser Molly Cuddihy, groundbreaking app designers Mari-Ann Ganson and Ellora James, mental health champion Corrie Shepherd and equal rights campaigner Razannah Hussain, took the 2019 title following a public vote.
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