Doncaster girl gets new bionic arm after £10,000 funding campaign

A Doncaster youngster has been fitted with a new bionic arm after a huge fundraising drive.

Little Lilly Storey, eight, was born with one arm - and a GoFundMe campaign waslaunched earlier this year to help her and two other youngsters.

She was fitted with the new arm in Bristol late last month.

Mum Sarah said: “Lilly 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.

Added Sarah: “And socially, she has had moments where she feels different, left out, or unable to join in the same way as her friends.”

Lilly was selected for an Open Bionics Hero Arm - with a huge fundraising drive launched to purchase it.

She added: “Being chosen is more than just receiving a prosthetic.

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“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 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.

It will also allow her to take part in sports and hobbies — from riding bikes to crafting, baking, or playing games that require two hands.

Added Sarah: “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.

“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.

“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.”