The Teen With The Bionic Arms | SHAKE MY BEAUTY
A DETERMINED TEENAGER with bionic arms champions diversity by showing the world it’s ‘cool to be different.’
Tilly Lockey, from County Durham, UK had both her arms amputated at 15 months old after contracting Group B meningococcal septicaemia. The 13-year-old was the first teenager in Britain to receive a pair of the 3D-printed bionic arms in 2016. Constantly in demand for her modelling work, Tilly extensively travels the world raising awareness for meningitis – the condition which almost took her life as a baby.
How did Tilly’s life change after receiving her Hero Arm bionic arms?
The Teen With The Bionic Arms: A True Inspiration for All
Being a teenager is never easy, but for Tilly Lockey from the UK, her teenage years have been a true test of strength and resilience. Born without both her hands, she has faced countless challenges and obstacles that most of us can only imagine. However, what sets her apart is her unyielding determination to live her life to the fullest.
Tilly received her first prosthetic arms at the age of 15 months, which allowed her to grasp objects and interact with the world around her. Yet, as a growing teenager, she found these prosthetics to be limited and impractical in many ways. So, when she turned 11, she took matters into her own hands and decided to try out something futuristic – bionic arms.
In collaboration with Open Bionics, a company based in Bristol, UK, Tilly became the youngest ever recipient of the Hero Arm, a lightweight, 3D-printed bionic arm that is controlled by the muscles in her residual limbs. The arm is equipped with sensors that enable her to have full control of her hands and fingers, with an array of grip modes that allow her to pick up and manipulate objects of various shapes and sizes.
The wonders of this technology are not lost on Tilly, who admits that the transformation it has brought about in her life is incredible. She now has the dexterity and versatility of a fully-functioning pair of hands, and is empowered to do things that she never thought possible. From tying her own shoelaces to playing video games with her friends, Tilly is now able to enjoy activities just like any other teenager.
However, her story does not end here. Tilly’s journey with bionic arms has also made her a role model for many, especially those with disabilities. She has become an ambassador for Open Bionics, and has inspired countless others to embrace their uniqueness and overcome their limitations.
In an interview with Shake My Beauty, Tilly says, “I want people to see that having a disability doesn’t define you. It’s not about what you can’t do – it’s about what you can do. You just have to figure out a different way to do it.”
Indeed, Tilly’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within all of us, regardless of our backgrounds, abilities, or circumstances. By embracing our challenges and embracing technology, we can find solutions to even the toughest of problems.
In closing, the teen with the bionic arms is a true inspiration for all. Her passion for life, her resilience, and her courage in the face of adversity are qualities that we can all learn from. Let us all take a page from Tilly’s book, and strive to live our lives to the fullest, no matter what challenges we may face.