Delight as campaigner receives double hand transplant

It has been announced that Corinne Hutton, a quadruple amputee from Renfrewshire in Scotland, has received a double hand transplant after a five year wait.

Corinne lost both her hands and feet in 2013 after suffering acute pneumonia and sepsis, which nearly killed her. She founded the charity Finding Your Feet, which provides support to other families affected by amputation or limb difference.

Limb transplantation is still rare and only goes ahead with the specific consent of a family, in cases where a donor is found to be a suitable match for a waiting recipient.

The procedure took place at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and the transplant team included Professor Andrew Hart and Professor Simon Kay. Specialist nurses from NHS Blood and Transplant provided support to the donor family.

Anthony Clarkson, interim director of organ donation and transplantation, says:

"We are delighted that Corinne has finally received a double hand transplant. Corinne has done so much to raise awareness of limb transplantation and has worked tirelessly to support others facing similar situations.

Our thoughts are with the family of the donor at this time, as they come to terms with the death of their loved one. Without their agreement for donation this operation would not have taken place.

We also send our best wishes to the Corinne for a healthy recovery and thank everyone who worked together to make this transplant possible."