All activity

Hello, my name is Olivia. I am 9 years old and I was born with a limb difference. I love singing, dancing, going on adventures with my family and friends and, most of all, swimming. I enjoy trying new things and I never let my limb difference stop me from having fun. As I have grown up, I have learnt my own way of doing lots of everyday things. I am a determined and independent girl who likes to work things out for myself. I always try my best before asking for help because I love being able to achieve things on my own. Even though I have adapted to so much, there are still many everyday tasks that are difficult for me. Simple things like tying my shoelaces, fastening buttons and zips, opening bottles and packets, carrying things while opening doors, cutting up my food, or arts and crafts can be a real challenge. At school, some activities take me much longer than my friends, and there are times when I need to ask for help with things I wish I could do on my own. Although I always find a way, it can sometimes be frustrating to rely on others for tasks that many people don’t even think about. I have had prosthetic arms before, but sadly they were heavy, uncomfortable and not practical for everyday life. Because of this, I did not enjoy wearing them and they did not give me the independence I was hoping for. A Hero Arm would be completely different. It is lightweight, functional and designed to help people like me with everyday tasks. It would help me become more independent at home, at school and when I am out with my friends. I would be able to carry things more easily, take part in more activities, and feel more confident doing everyday tasks without needing to ask for help. It would also give me the confidence to try new activities and take on new challenges. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings me one step closer to receiving a Hero Arm. Your kindness, generosity and support mean more to me and my family than words can say. We are raising money through The Open Bionics Foundation, and any donation will help me get my Hero Arm. Thanks 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.

I’m Kitty, I’m 11 and I was born missing my lower left arm. Up until now, I’ve found a way to do most things with help from my family, friends and teachers. But as I move to high school, I need to be more independent and tackle activities I haven’t done before like design technology, different sports and carrying everything I need. I’ve always been independent and determined, achieved things people never thought I could. From abseiling to archery, playing the piano to winning swimming races, I usually find my own way to do what I want to do. But sometimes living with one hand can be tiring and get in the way of some things I want to do, and that can be really frustrating. A Hero PRO would help me with everyday tasks like helping around the house, opening doors while carrying things, lifting things without putting too much pressure on my body, and doing all the things I love without having to have lots of different prosthetics. I’m lead singer in a band and one day I ’d love to be able to sing and play the guitar on stage like Taylor Swift. I love dancing and I’m starting at a new contemporary dance school in September, where having a Hero Arm would really help me express myself. I’ve recently got in to golf and having two hands instead of a fixed attachment would help me improve my technique much quicker. I also love doing my hair and could do so many more advanced styles with two hands. I’m proud of my little arm and don’t want to hide it – a Hero Arm would help me make limb differences more visible and be a role model for other kids like me. Our family are doing everything we can to raise money to buy my Hero PRO, but we can’t do it on our own. Please help me raise the money I need to change my life. I’m raising money through The Open Bionics Foundation, and any donation will help me get my Hero PRO. Thanks in advance for your contribution to my Hero PRO it 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.

The Big Hero 3 is back and we are super grateful to be supporting another 3 children get Hero ARMS IN 2026. The Big Hero 3 has been successfully running for years now and has supported 18 children to get Hero Arms. This year our campaign is sponsored by The Open Bionics Foundation, The Worshipful Company of The Glovers, Nat West and an anonymous donor. Combined they have contributed £40k to this campaign and paid for 2 Hero Arms. The Children are now put together in this joint campaign to crowdfund enough for the last Hero Arm in order to release the funds to deliver all 3!!! We are super grateful to everyone who will want to support these children in achieving their target. They are committed and working as a team and hopefully having fun and making new friends along the way. Let's meet the families: - Lilly from Doncaster Our daughter was born with one arm, and from the moment she arrived, she has shown nothing but strength, determination, and a spirit that inspires everyone around her. She has never let her limb difference define her — but the world around her can sometimes make things harder than they need to be. Simple everyday tasks that other children do without thinking often require extra effort, creativity, or support. And socially, she has had moments where she feels different, left out, or unable to join in the same way as her friends. Being chosen for an Open Bionics Hero Arm is more than just receiving a prosthetic. It is the chance for her to gain independence, confidence, and the ability to take part in life with both hands — literally and emotionally. The Hero Arm will allow her to: Do everyday tasks independently — tying shoes, opening bottles, holding toys, carrying school items, and joining in activities without needing constant help.Take part in sports and hobbies — from riding bikes to crafting, baking, or playing games that require two hands. Feel included socially — she’ll be able to join in without feeling different or limited, and the Hero Arm’s superhero design turns her limb difference into something exciting and empowering. Build confidence — instead of hiding her arm, she’ll be proud to show it off. It becomes a superpower, not a struggle. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Open Bionics has given children like her the chance to feel strong, capable, and included. But the cost of the arm is high, and that’s why we are fundraising — not just for the device itself, but for the life‑changing impact it will have on her future. This arm will give her: more independence, more opportunities, more confidence, more inclusion, more freedom to be the brilliant, capable child she already is. For her, this isn’t just a prosthetic. It’s the chance to feel equal. To feel powerful. To feel like the superhero she truly is. We are so thankful to everyone who supports her journey. Every donation, share, and kind word brings her one step closer to the life she deserves. Jamie - from Southport Hi my name's Jamie, I'm 11 and from Southport! I am so excited to have been given this opportunity to be chosen for this year's Big Hero 3, and can't wait to get started with the whole process! Having a Hero Arm for me is going to be amazing. It will help me to learn how to use two hands in day to day life, from riding my bike, doing some cooking, getting ready for school or even building lego! So thank you so much to everyone that is making this possible for me! As Jamie's parents, we want to say a huge thank you for giving him the chance to discover life with two hands! Jamie being born without two hands makes him who he is. He is strong, brave, resilient, determined, and we wouldn't change him. Jamie has always given everything a go with that determination of his, from when he was a baby learning to crawl and sit up, to learning to ride a bike as he got a little older. Now seems like the perfect time for Jamie to have the chance of getting a hero arm so he can greater his skills in the things he loves doing, and make life that little bit easier for him. Thank you for watching and reading, and to everyone that supports this campaign to give these three children the support that they need. Hunter - from Northern Ireland Hunter is a fun-loving, determined 9-year-old who never lets anything stand in his way. When we attended our 20-week scan, we received the unexpected news that Hunter was missing his left hand. As parents, we naturally worried about what challenges he might face as he grew up. However, from the moment he was born, Hunter has continually amazed us with his resilience, positivity, and ability to adapt. Over the years, Hunter has learned to do things his own way. He has overcome obstacles that many people would never even notice and approaches life with confidence, courage, and a smile. He loves spending time with his friends, riding his bike, playing sports, gaming, and trying new adventures. He is a happy, active little boy who rarely lets his limb difference stop him from joining in. Although Hunter has adapted incredibly well, there are still everyday tasks that can be difficult. Activities that require two hands can be frustrating, and as he gets older, there are more situations where additional support would help him gain independence and confidence. That is why being selected as one of the BIG HERO 3 means so much to our family. The opportunity to receive a Hero Arm from Open Bionics could have a huge impact on Hunter's life. Not only would it help him with practical daily tasks, but it would also give him the chance to experience new activities, develop new skills, and gain greater independence. Most importantly, it would empower him to continue doing what he loves and show him that being missing his left hand does not define what he can achieve. Hunter is incredibly excited about the possibilities a Hero Arm could bring. From playing sports and riding his bike to tackling everyday tasks with more confidence, he can't wait to discover what he can achieve with this life-changing technology. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported Hunter's journey so far. Whether you have donated, shared our campaign, or simply offered words of encouragement, your kindness means more than we can express. Every contribution brings Hunter one step closer to receiving his Hero Arm and opening up new possibilities for his future. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in Hunter and helping make this dream a reality. The children are raising money through The Open Bionics Foundation, and any donation to this campaign will be equally split between all 3 children and used to pay for their Hero Arms. Any excess funding raised can help them buy another cover for their arms or another year of warranty. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to all to all 3 families. 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.

Georgia Rose was born in New Cross hospital in 2018. Georgia was a healthy baby and always had a fantastic personality and a curiosity only a child knows. Georgia was born a superhero because she had a limb difference, she was born without her right hand. Me and Georgia's mother first found out about this at her 20 week scan. Excitement turned to worry and anxiety. However my little girl has taught me humility in a way nothing else in this world ever has. Georgia adapted, nothing was ever going to stop her getting around the house, playing with her sister and later her dog. She developed a keen interest in gymnastics and dance, and later football. She has shown me so much about how amazing a human can be and I want the world to show her that back in kindness now to be able to give her something that will grow with her and quite literally change her life. Georgia has never been given support from outside agencies before in respect to her limb difference. She was diagnosed with autism earlier this year and has started to notice how different she is to her peers. From the moment she could walk she has been active and I've always been amazed how she used her "little arm" as she calls it to assist her in carrying and unscrewing items. This has been a tough process where she notices that she cannot cut food, or use the PlayStation controller or that clothes such as long sleeve coats or tops have to be altered to suit. This can result in the end of her arm becoming cold and painful. My little superhero had found her kryptonite. For the first time she couldn't adapt to it. This came to be when she was brought a balance scooter for Christmas that due to her disability she really struggled with. We actually found Open Bionics through Georgia seeing them on tik tok. She really wanted a "Robot hand" because then she would have two hands like everyone else. I ask people now if they can help to support her in being able to raise the funds to make this a reality. It would really be a life changing thing for her. For my darling sweet girl, my inspiration, a girl who is nothing but kind, really deserves that back. Please help us in any way you can. Thank you. We are raising money through The Open Bionics Foundation, and any donation will help make an impact and go towards Georgia's Hero Arm. Thanks 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.

Hi my name is Sadie, I'm 17, and I was born missing the lower part of my right arm. For as long as I can remember, I’ve done things my own way. I’ve spent my life adapting: I played football for my local top team, kickboxing with a glove on my arm, climbing walls, riding horses. Nothing ever stopped me. When I was little, I never even realised I was different. I just embraced life. It helped that I went through school with the same kids who knew me and accepted me as I was. There were exciting times, winning the county cup with my dad as coach, doing netball, skipping rope with a sweatband. I found my own way to do everything. But as I got older, things changed. Secondary school was a massive jump up in needing to be self sufficient and life got harder. It also made me think about how I looked, and I realised, ‘oh, I am different.’ That’s when I started hiding a bit. Even though people see me as confident, everyday life is exhausting. I constantly have to double-think every action: how to open a car door, put on a seat belt, or hold an onion while chopping. Life is challenging when you’re doing everything with one hand. As I approach adulthood, my need for independence is stronger than ever and the Hero PRO could make that dream a reality. Recently, I tested a Hero PRO for the first time, and it was mind-blowing. They put electrodes on my arm, and suddenly I was moving a hand that wasn’t even attached to me. I couldn’t believe it, muscles and nerves I didn’t know existed suddenly worked. When the hand closed for the first time, I thought it in my brain, and it happened. I was so happy I wanted to cry. This isn’t about looking like everyone else, it's about independence. I’m turning 18 next year, learning to drive, and ready to embrace being different in a positive way. With a Hero PRO, I could hold two cups at once, a tray even. Shake someone’s hand confidently without awkward explanations, and reduce the tension and pain from being left-side dominant. Simple things, the list is endless that would make life ten times easier. Interestingly, tests show I’m actually right-handed. I just never had the option. I’ve lived 17 years without one hand and I’m still doing well. But having this arm would change my life completely. It would mean the world to feel independent, confident, and just a lot happier to function without planning every single action. Please join me in making this possible. Your support will help me gain the independence I’ve always wanted I’m raising money to through The Open Bionics Foundation, and any donation will go towards my Hero PRO. Thanks 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.

The Big Hero 3 is back!! Due to the generosity of The Open Bionics Foundation, The Worshipful Company of The Glovers and an anonymous donor we have raised enough funds to purchase 2 Hero Arms. We have chosen 3 families from the recent LimbBo Foundation Acivity day to benefit from this opportunity and they need to work together to raise enough for one Hero Arm so that all 3 child benefit. I would love to introduce to you Lennon, Caleb and Imogen who will be fundraising with their friends and families together to achieve their goal. Please support them in their journey. Caleb Hi, my name is Caleb, I was born with a limb difference. The Dr's don't know why but my arm just didn't grow any further than my forearm. I named my "stump" bubba from around the age of 3. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their kind donations towards a hero arm for myself and the other two children. This is an amazing opportunity to have and we are very grateful and excited! I am a very fun lovable little boy, I have amazing resilience and I'm super brave. Some of my hobbies are rising my bike and scooter, I really like archery which I think my hero arm will help me with because I will be able to hold the bow properly with a hero arm. I love spending time with my family, my mum, my dad and I have two brothers Damien who is 10 he is my big brother, and Elijah is 6 he's my little brother who comes to spend time with us at weekends, I also have a dog called dex he is my best friend. I love going to the beach with my family and going bowling, they are two of my favourite things to do as well as family game nights together. I also like playing on my PlayStation and helping my mum making dinner. I can't wait to do so many things once I have a hero arm, I think it will give me a lot more confidence in things that I do and it will make me a superhero! I can't wait to show everybody when I get it, and learn new things with it because I love learning new things. Imogen Our wonderful Imogen needs a helping hand! The day we discovered we were having a little girl at our 20-week scan was also the day we learned Imogen was missing her hand. It was a day filled with mixed emotions. We began to wonder how we would teach her various things. We had no answers. Once Imogen was born, she quickly showed us exactly how she was going to do things. It all came so naturally to her. She always leads the way, and we are right behind her! Imogen became so independent so quickly that we had to teach her that teamwork is important and asking for help is natural for everyone. She has no fear! She loves to try everything. Having a limb difference certainly doesn’t stop her ‘can do’ attitude! However, Imogen has one wish: to know what it’s like to have two hands. Thanks to the Open Bionics Foundation, Imogen has been selected to participate in a campaign for a Hero Arm. Here’s how it works: the charity selects three families. The charity then funds two Hero Arms, and the three families must raise enough to cover the cost of the third Hero Arm. Once we reach our target, all three children will receive their fantastic prosthetics. Let’s make a wish come true. Lennon This is Lennon, our 9-year-old son from Huddersfield. He is a very determined boy who has always had a can-do mentality and takes everything in his stride. From riding a bike at 2, to playing football and cricket for local clubs, it seems he always wants to prove the doubters wrong… Only recently has he been asking ‘why am I different’ and ‘when will my arm grow’!!! Lennon was born without his lower left arm from just below the elbow and over the years he has had various heavy prosthetics. The problem has been, is that none of them have been helpful to him and served little purpose other than to use as very effective ‘drumstick’. Growing up, Lennon was often asked by other children ‘what happened to your arm?’ he would always make up some elaborate story of how it was bitten off by a shark or crocodile and just made light of his difference. This was inspiring for us as parents, and it seemed that we were the ones with the issue and not Lennon. Having been part of the LimbBo Foundation since 2019, (a limb difference charity from Yorkshire) Lennon has met with the team at Open Bionics many times over the years, often at the LimbBo adventure days and has been waiting patiently for his opportunity for a ‘Bionic Arm’. He has asked us lots of times ‘when can I get an arm?’ as with most children, he just wants the chance to be ‘the same as everyone else’. Lennon is a huge sportsman, he will have a go at any sports, rock-climbing, surfing, swimming, but in particular, he loves cycling, golf and plays Football for Netherton our local Under 10’s team on the left wing, a true playmaker. He scored 52 goals in his second season and was awarded a well-deserved ‘Player of the Year’ last season. He also plays cricket for Armitage Bridge Cricket Club, where this season he was awarded the bowler of the year. Lennon was even asked to play up a year in the under 11’s team on several occasions this year, which he loved and really boosted his confidence. The Big Hero 3 is a massive opportunity for us as a family and Lennon is so excited to get involved and finally get his chance to wear a bionic arm. We are so proud of him and his attitude towards life, he just wants the chance to show us what he can do with two hands!!! The Big Hero 3 will give him such a confidence boost, something which he has definitely suffered with over the last year or so. As a family, we are excited to meet up and work alongside the two other families who are joining us on this journey. It will be great to share our experiences and support each other through this life changing opportunity. The families are raising money through The Open Bionics Foundation to benefit ALL 3 children - all donations will be split equally between all 3 children, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to all of the children. 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.

Meet Lexi — our brave, funny, and determined 12-year-old daughter who has never let anything hold her back. Lexi was born with a limb difference caused by amniotic band syndrome, a rare condition where fibrous bands in the womb restricted the growth of her left arm. We found out at the 18-week scan that she would be missing her left hand, and while it was a shock and left us worried about how she would manage, Lexi has grown into a strong and inspiring young girl who approaches life with courage and creativity. She made her entrance into the world early at just 32 weeks, weighing a tiny 3lb 4oz. Lexi spent the first five weeks of her life in the Special Care Baby Unit at York Hospital, where she fought hard and showed the resilience that still defines her today. Now 12, Lexi continues to amaze us. She’s fiercely independent, loves art, football, and spending time with family and friends, as well as her pet bunny Benjamin! and doesn’t let her limb difference stop her from chasing her goals. But as she grows, the challenges become more noticeable and that’s where the Hero Arm comes in. The Hero Arm is a state-of-the-art bionic prosthetic designed especially for children and young people like Lexi. It will give her greater independence and functionality in her daily life — helping with tasks that most of us take for granted. Even more than that, it will give Lexi a huge boost in confidence during such an important stage of her life. While the Hero Arm is available on the NHS, we’ve been told the waiting list is a long one and could take years to reach the top of the list, despite Lexi already meeting all the necessary criteria. After every hospital visit, she leaves feeling deflated and frustrated, questioning whether she’ll ever feel “normal.” To get Lexi her Hero Arm privately, we need to raise £20,000. Every donation, no matter the size, and every share of her story helps us get one step closer to making this dream a reality. Thank you for taking the time to read about Lexi. Your kindness and support means the world to us and brings us closer to seeing Lexi live life to the full with two hands and a big, confident smile. We are raising money through The Open Bionics Foundation, and any donation will go towards Lexi getting a Hero Arm. Thanks 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.

I’m crowdfunding for a bionic arm because it represents a significant step towards enhancing my life and independence. Born with one hand, I've always faced unique challenges that have shaped my experiences. Going to college has been a challenge as I feel like I'm "the odd one out" with my disability however with the Hero Pro I would be able to turn that into a positive outlook and be the person with the cool bionic hand. While I've learned to adapt and find creative solutions for everyday tasks, there are limitations that I still encounter. Simple actions like cooking, or participating in sports can be difficult, and I often feel the impact on my confidence and overall well-being. When I participated in cricket I often found it difficult to be as good as my teammates because of my disability and I'm hoping with the arm it will give me the confidence to go back to the sport i enjoy. I am also a member of army cadets and there are challenges there such as firing weapons and certain tasks on field exercises which I hope will become easier for me. A Hero Pro would be a transformative tool for me. With advanced technology, it would allow me to perform tasks more easily and effectively. The ability to control the arm through my own subtle muscle movements means I could engage in activities that I’ve always wanted to do but found challenging. I believe that if I have the arm it will enable me to participate more fully in life and enjoy activities with friends and family. By crowdfunding, I hope to raise the necessary funds to make this dream a reality. I'm raising money through The Open Bionics Foundation, and any donation will help make an impact and go towards my Hero Pro. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings me closer to achieving my goal and transforming my life. Thank you for considering supporting my journey towards greater independence and empowerment.