Youngsters with bionic arms have incredible day out from billionaire who paid for limbs

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The six young people all have 3D-printed bionic limbs made by Open Bionics – but they connected on a recent trip to London where they celebrated the benefits the new arms have made to their lives

Six youngsters with bionic arms have been treated to an ­unforgettable day out by the billionaire who paid for their state-of-the-art limbs.

Tej Kohli organised the trip to London to celebrate how their lives have improved.

The 3D-printed Hero Arms, which cost £10,000 each, are made by Bristol firm Open Bionics.

Jacob Pickering, 12, of Blackburn, Lancs, who was born with no left hand, said: “It’s made so much difference to me and I can take part in things I never dreamed were possible.

“At primary school I was told it wouldn’t be possible for me to learn the guitar. Now I’m playing it.”

The youngsters were treated to an afternoon tea bus tour of London then went to see Ed Sheeran play Wembley.

Alan Gifford, 16, of Swansea, south Wales, lost his hands at the age of three after an infection but can now cut his own food, write much better at school and can feed his dogs.

He said: “It was great to meet all the other children who have their Hero Arms too and to tell each other about the things we can now do.”

Billy Gregson, 10, of Leeds, fulfilled his dream of casting his own fishing rod with his dad.

Born with his right arm shorter than his left, he said: “I struggled to write before, now I feel much more confident.”

Ronnie Williams, 13, of nearby Keighley, said: “I love wearing my hero arm at school and all the other kids think it looks great.”

Gracie McGonigal, 19, who was born without a left arm below the elbow, has become an actress.

The teen, of Ealing, West London, said: “I’m doing a course at the Performing Arts School and with my new arm, I feel like I could achieve anything.”

Roshan Chuahan, eight, of Solihull, West Midlands, who was born without a left forearm, said: “Having my Hero Arm will start to make things so much easier to do. I’ve always wanted to play tennis.”

Mr Kohli, 63, said: “We are delighted to support all these six children and help them achieve their dreams.”