WHEN SHE steps off the top of the Titan Crane this weekend as part of a charity abseil, Helen Munro is celebrating the end of “two years of hell”.

The 53-year-old from Croftfoot survived a massive heart attack and kidney failure before having to have both legs amputated.

“I really shouldn’t be here – I nearly died twice,” she says. “So am I worried about abseiling off the Titan crane? Nah – I’m looking forward to it, because I’m just glad I’m still alive.”

Helen is one of 11 amputees from all over Glasgow and the west of Scotland taking part in the event with Finding Your Feet.

The charity was set up by Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year finalist Corinne Hutton in 2013, following her own quadruple amputation.

Corinne, who is from Lochwinnoch, had her hands and feet amputated after suffering septicaemia. Deteremined to help others facing similar limb loss or life-changing physical trauma, she created Finding Your Feet, raising tens of thousands of pounds and organising events and support sessions.

Corinne is leading the abseil. She explains: “Finding Your Feet is all about supporting amputees to help them live life to the full and unleash their full potential.

“The adrenalin will be pumping, as the Titan Crane abseil is certainly one of our tallest and terrifying challenges to date, but we are all incredibly excited to be taking it on together.

“Being able to fund our Troopers to take part in once in a lifetime challenges such as the abseil is amazing and helps raise awareness of the terrific work the charity does. However, equally important are the day-to-day aspects of community support Finding Your Feet offers. From drop-in coffee mornings and garden clubs, to massage therapists and prosthetic advice, it is a vital lifeline to our Troopers and their families.”

The 150-foot abseil off one of Clydebank’s notable landmarks on Saturday (May 27) is being tackled by some of the charity’s supporters including Ann Marie Bartoli, from Cardonald, Bernard Wallis, from Mauchline and Andrew Pidgeon, from Motherwell.

All of the ‘Troopers’ taking part are missing limbs and it’s not a fundraiser – in fact, Finding Your Feet is paying for them to give them the chance to take on a challenge, and have some fun.

“I’m incredibly excited about doing the abseil – this week marks the first anniversary of when I lost my lower left leg,” says Ann Marie, 45.

“It’s taken a lot of adjustment, mentally as well as physically, but I can’t think of a better way to celebrate how far I have come.”

Bernard is marking his 70th birthday by taking part.

“Life begins at 70,” he grins. “Along with my canine partner Bruce at my side, I’m looking forward to lots of new adventures in the coming years – although I’m sure Bruce will draw the line at abseiling...”

Andrew, 53, agrees: “Before I lost my lower leg three years ago, I would have never have dreamed of doing anything like this.

“I was afraid of heights, for a start. But embracing challenges and pushing myself to face my fears, trying things like abseiling, zip-wires and assault courses, have been a really vital way in helping aid my recovery.”

Helen Munro agrees. “I would never have done this before I had my legs amputated,” she nods. “This has changed me a lot. Now my attitude is – why not?”

Helen was up a ladder decorating her home in time for Christmas when she slipped and fell, smashing her ankle and damaging her leg in the process.

“It was one of those stupid little accidents, something you don’t imagine at the time is going to cause that many problems,” she shakes her head.

“I had to have pins and screws inserted in my ankle but after the operation, I started to feel very unwell.

“Infection had set in, and I developed sepsis, and suddenly everything changed.”

Helen, who is diabetic, suffered severe kidney failure and almost died in hospital.

“I don’t remember much about that time – and I don’t really want to,” she says, slowly. “But I came through it and I was getting ready to come home.

“I remember it was a Wednesday night, at the end of December, or the start of January, and I was getting out the next day. But I felt terrible – I had severe chest pains and could hardly breathe.

“At first, the nurses thought it was a panic attack, but a short time later, I had a huge heart attack.”

Doctors fought to save Helen’s life and once again, she survived. But just a few weeks later, doctors told her infection had taken hold in her left leg and she had to have it amputated. Six weeks later, her right leg below the knee was also amputated.

“I don’t know why I’m not ten feet under,” she says, wryly. “If it hadn’t been for my husband and daughter, I wouldn’t have got through it. They were amazing. I come from a big family and I’m lucky to have had that support to fall back on.

“That’s why Finding Your Feet is amazing. They provide that support network for people that aren’t as lucky as me, who don’t have family around them.”

Helen has given up her job as a hairdresser but remains positive about the future.

“There is life after amputation,” she says, simply. “It’s hard going, and of course there are days when I think – what did I do to deserve this? But life goes on.”

She is looking forward to Saturday’s abseil.

“At first, when Corinne told me about it, I thought she was off her head,” grins Helen.

“But when I thought about it, I realised – you don’t get many chances like this, to do something fun just for yourself, that really will push you. So I thought – why not? You only get one life, so live it. It’s going to be amazing.”

To find out more about Finding Your Feet visit www.findingyourfeet.net or call 0141 258 4868