Think bionic arms are just the stuff of superhero movies? Think again. Thanks to an incredible blend of cutting-edge technology and the power of community, three children in the UK were given their new "life-changing" Hero Arms on December 12—just in time for Christmas. For Zoey Hampton-Pigeon (8), Finley Jarvis (11), and Ettie Baker (8), their new “Hero Arms” aren’t just cool gadgets—they’re life-changing miracles.
Their story is made possible by the Big Hero 3 campaign, a fundraising initiative started by mother Sarah Lockey, who launched the campaign to help families of children with missing limbs fundraise for bionic arms. This grassroots movement raised a total of £60,000 for the three children—£40,000 from the Open Bionics Foundation, The Worshipful Company of Glovers, Foresight Group, and an anonymous donor and an additional £20,000 raised collectively by the three families themselves.
Ettie’s mum, Alyse, shared that her daughter "screamed" when she found out she would get her new Hero Arm in time for Christmas. Seeing the unfiltered joy of these children opening the most meaningful present imaginable resonates with anyone who has ever wished for a miracle.
"She's excited about being able to do things like handstands, ride her bike without an adaption and tying her shoes."
— Alyse, Ettie's mum
New possibilities, new dreams
These high-end prosthetics promise enormous quality of life improvements for their users.
Open Bionics (used with permission)
The Hero Arm, designed and manufactured by UK-based Open Bionics, is the world’s most advanced bionic limb for below-elbow amputees. It doesn’t just look cool—it delivers superhero-worthy functionality. With multi-grip options, intuitive controls and lightweight 3D-printed materials, it allows wearers to perform complex tasks like gripping, typing and even giving a thumbs-up. Activities like tying shoelaces, riding a bike without an adaptation, or doing handstands are no longer out of reach for these children.
Zoey’s dad, Thomas, said his daughter was jumping up and down "squealing" when she found out about her Hero Arm. Zoey has been using her arm to practice activities she once found challenging, like braiding her hair and drawing.
“It’s the best Christmas present in the world,” Zoey said, beaming with excitement, according to Yahoo News.
Expanding the mission
Inspired by this success, Lockey plans to expand the Big Hero 3 campaign to help more children in need. “We’re hoping to do another campaign next year,” she said. “Any donors who want to get involved to help are welcome.”
About Open Bionics
Open Bionics, the company behind the Hero Arm, has been pioneering a revolution in the prosthetics industry since its founding in 2014. Based in the UK, the company specializes in creating affordable, 3D-printed bionic arms for individuals with below-elbow limb differences.
Open Bionics aims to make advanced prosthetics more accessible while transforming disabilities into superpowers. Their innovative approach allows users to personalize their arms with themed covers inspired by franchises like Marvel, Disney and Star Wars, adding a unique touch of fun and empowerment for kids and adults alike.
The advanced superhero themed prosthetics have the power to restore an amazing amount of capability. Open Bionics (used with permission)
Open Bionics has earned accolades for its cutting-edge technology and humanitarian mission. By working with global organizations and expanding access to clinical care worldwide, the company continues to change lives, one Hero Arm at a time.
For more information or to support the cause, visit the Big Hero 3 campaign’s GoFundMe page.
