Spare leg saves charity climb

Norman Croucher, 56, is all set to climb the 14,600ft Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps for charity this week - despite a setback when he cracked one of his artificial legs. Mr Croucher, of Topsham, Devon, who lost both legs in a rail accident 38 years ago, has scaled some of the world's most famous peaks, including the world's sixth highest, the near 27,000ft Cho Oyu in Tibet, two years ago. But he damaged his leg while training in Switzerland for his second attempt on the Matterhorn in 23 years. A freight firm flew out his spare limb free of charge enabling him and his climbing team to start the ascent on the Matterhorn today.

Mr Croucher, awarded the OBE for his work for the disabled, has conquered several mountains over 26,000ft. He hopes the climb will raise up to pounds 10,000 for Cornwall Air Ambulance, the Exmoor Calvert Trust centre for the disabled, and the Riding for the Disabled Association.