BRAVE teachers hotfooted it over burning coals to raise cash for a mum who lost her limbs to septicaemia.

A total of 17 teachers from Gryffe High School in Houston celebrated end of term by walking barefoot over burning hot coals for Corinne Hutton, who underwent a quadruple amputation this year following septicaemia.

The head teacher, deputy heads and teachers took on the firewalk challenge in aid of Finding Your Feet, the fund set up by friends and family of Corinne. The fund aims to raise money for her treatment and for other people who have been similarly affected and already £1800 has been raised.

Head teacher Colin Johnston said: "Over the past few months both staff and pupils within Gryffe High School have been running a wide variety of events in aid of many very worthwhile charities.

"I am delighted that so many staff have risen to the challenge of The Firewalk, and in doing so supporting local cause Finding Your Feet.

"We all want a world in which everyone has the right to build a future free from hunger and poverty, and if we can help through participating in such events, having fun as well as raising its profile, then I am proud that we are trying to make a difference."

Corinne, a mother of one from Lochwinnoch, had both hands and legs removed as a result of septicaemia earlier in 2013. Finding Your Feet has been set up to raise money towards buying her bionic limbs.

And in the future it will focus on helping other similarly affected people who might not have the same support network as Corinne.

An outdoor enthusiast, Corinne has raised thousands for charities in the past by completing marathons, treks through the Himalayas and cycles along the Great Wall of China.

She hopes that once the bionic limbs have been fitted she can become more involved with the day-to-day running of the charity.

The firewalk was organised by Brian Costello of Headstrong NLP and was 12 feet long with coals burning at 1500C.

Brian will run workshops with the school's staff to make sure they are fully mentally prepared for walking barefoot across the hot coals.

He said: "I'm thrilled to be organising this firewalk for such a good cause. What this event is about is not 'mind over matter' but 'mind over mind'; conquering fears rather than performing magic tricks.

"I think this is incredibly relevant given what Corinne has been through and the strength of character and mind that she has had to find to deal with what she has had to face and the teachers are showing, through the firewalk, that it's not always the physical that matters but the mental."

Corinne added: "Every day I face challenges, both physical and mental, but I remain firm in my belief that a positive attitude reaps progress.

"I have a long way to go but I'm achieving so much every day - I can even put my mascara on now. Family, friends and strangers have embraced the fundraising for Finding Your Feet in so many ways. I promise I'll make up for it by helping others once I am rebuilt."

Sponsorship donations can be made by contacting the school by phone on 01505690633 or email gryffehighenquiries@renfrewshire.gov.uk

More information about Finding Your Feet can be found at www.findingyourfeet.net