This holiday season brought life-changing joy to three children in the UK who received advanced prosthetic Hero Arms, thanks to a heartfelt fundraising campaign. Zoey Hampton-Pigeon, Finley Jarvis, and Colette Baker were gifted the cutting-edge bionic arms, which enable greater independence and the chance to embrace activities they once dreamed of doing on their own.
The campaign, known as the Big Hero 3, was led by Sarah Lockey and her daughter Tilly, who herself wears Hero Arms after losing both hands to meningitis. Their annual fundraising drive raised £20,000, with additional support from other charities and an anonymous donor, making the children’s Christmas wishes come true.
For Colette, receiving the arm before Christmas was a dream come true—her excitement was palpable as she imagined riding a bike and tying her shoes for the first time. Zoey is looking forward to using her beloved jump rope, and Finley is thrilled about the possibilities at his agricultural secondary school. Their parents expressed gratitude and hope for the brighter futures these Hero Arms will bring.
The Hero Arm, developed by the Open Bionics Foundation, is lightweight, intuitive, and affordable, making it accessible to children like Zoey, Finley, and Colette. This heartwarming story highlights the power of community and generosity to transform lives, with plans for another Big Hero 3 campaign already in motion for next year.