A MOUNTAINEER and quadruple amputee has held a climbing session to give fellow-amputees access to the sport.
Jamie Andrew OBE joined Scottish charity Finding Your Feet at the session at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.
He was there to help give young people who have had amputations and limb deficiencies equal access to the sport.
He said: "I’m delighted to have been able to support Finding Your Feet today and to share some of my climbing experience with those who perhaps lack confidence in their abilities.
"I’ve had a fantastic time working with the group today and have been blown away by their bravery and determination, especially given that for many, this was their first attempt at climbing."
Glasgow-born Mr Andrew, 46, was at the height of his climbing career when he lost his limbs to frostbite in 1999.
He had completed the north face of Les Droites mountain in the French Alps when he and his climbing partner became trapped by a storm for five days.
After a helicopter rescue, his hands and feet later had to be amputated. Unfortunately his partner, Jamie Fisher did not survive.
Since then, the father-of-three has continued to climb and raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity, and in June, 2000 he was the first quadruple amputee to climb Ben Nevis.
And in January 2004 he joined three other disabled mountaineers to make an all-disabled ascent of Mount Kilimajaro in Africa.
He was joined at the Edinburgh climbing session by charity founder Corinne Hutton.
Quadruple amputee Ms Hutton had her hands and feet amputated after suffering pneumonia and septicaemia in 2013.
The mother-of-one then contacted Mr Andrew shortly after losing her limbs for guidance and support and has continued to be friends with the mountaineer.
She established the charity to offer emotional, financial and practical support to those with amputations or with acquired or congenital limb deficiencies.
She said: "When I lost my limbs, I thought my life was over. Jamie visited me and made me realise it was quite the opposite – that I had the opportunity, if I chose, to do incredible things. I read Jamie’s book in hospital and took on board his mantra that ‘nothing is impossible’ and I try to remember that every day.
"When we decided to launch climbing sessions for amputees, Jamie was the obvious choice to help show how those who have lost limbs can take part in this sport in just the same way as able-bodied individuals can."
"Jamie and I wanted to show people today that having an amputation or limb deficiency does not mean you can’t do these sports."
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