Hi my name is Michael. I live in a small town in Hampshire called Fleet. Between 2013 and 2017 l had both my legs amputated and both my hands removed through my wrists. I have set up this crowdfunding campaign to try and help me buy a prosthetic hand that will definitely improve the quality of my life! Any support at all means the absolute world and if I can do anything in return of the donation I wouldn’t hesitate! <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59870431_1631285884870025_r.jpeg" alt="59870431_1631285884870025_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> I had a lovely childhood, many outdoor pursuits, fishing etc. but when I was 11 years old I was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes. It was 1978 and in those days was a bit of a game changer. The technology wasn’t what it's like today. I spent quite a lot of time in hospital but we just got on with it. The whole family mucked in. I started having problems with ulcers in my mouth then on my legs in the mid to late 90s. I was in and out of hospital in severe pain taking all sorts of pills and potions. I was finally diagnosed with Behcet's syndrome. It's a rare autoimmune condition. It's a horrible disease. It is a (chronic) Inflammatory condition caused by blood vessel inflammation which affects and damages both the arteries and veins.  After lots of different immune suppressant drugs the only one that worked was prednisolone which has lots of not very nice side effects. To cut a long story short between 2012 and 2017 l had 20 to 30 operations resulting in having both legs amputated and both hands amputated. It’s the first time I’ve actually written that down. I'm finding it quite difficult.  <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59870431_1631286002317306_r.jpeg" alt="59870431_1631286002317306_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> My family would describe me as someone who doesn’t give up. I seem to find I'm always searching for ways to improve my quality of life and have something to look forward to. I enquired about a Hero arm about 2 years ago. I was really interested but due to the financial side of things I was unable to proceed. I think and hope a Hero arm would greatly improve my quality of life. The list is endless, l used to love fishing l would be able to hold a fishing rod, just being able to pick things up with my right hand. Hold a fork. Hold an apple. Hold my dogs lead. I used to do a lot of painting and decorating. I'm a keen gardener, so being able to hold tools would mean a lot. I currently have a carbon hook on my left arm which l am extremely dexterous with and I have an aesthetic hand on my right arm. I’ve tried an myo electric hand but it didn't fit properly and was incredibly heavy. I've worked in every type of building trade including ground work, landscape gardening etc, for the last 25 years I've worked as a maintenance, groundsman jack of all trades at a private school, and my employers have been really good to me and repaid my loyalty by keeping my on as a part time gardener. This has helped my rehabilitation and mental health enormously.  <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59870431_1631286086236866_r.jpeg" alt="59870431_1631286086236866_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> The Hero arm seems to be very lightweight, versatile and stylish. I would feel a million dollars walking around with it on, probably showing off a bit. I would be a very lucky person. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59870431_1631286138705221_r.jpeg" alt="59870431_1631286138705221_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><iframe media_type="0" media_id="-1RT4KpJWzw" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-1RT4KpJWzw/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe> I would not be here without my fantastic wife and soulmate and my 2 beautiful, intelligent inspirational boys. My love and respect for them has no bounds. I have a fantastic family. My sister has done so much for me I honestly don’t know where to begin, My mum l love my mum so much. My father is sadly no longer with us. MY cousin Kim has been a rock. My in-laws have been so lovely and supportive, My nephews the list goes on. I am truly blessed to have such a network of family and friends that have in their own way been there and supported me. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, hopes and aspirations The smile on my face if l was successful in receiving my Hero arm would speak volumes. Thanks Michael. I'm raising money for my Hero Arm through The Open Bionics Foundation and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. More information about The Open Bionics Foundation: The Open Bionics Foundation provides financial support to socioeconomically deprived people with limb differences who need multi-grip upper limb prosthetics.

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Emma Harcourt

Martin Bushnell 

Michael Farrell

Michael's Help for a Hero Arm

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