Bionic ‘hero arm’ has changed my life forever, says ‘super’ teacher
A TEACHER born without a right forearm has been given an advanced bionic “hero arm”, which she said has “changed her life forever”.
Vikki Smith, 25, from Berkshire, whose students now describe her as a “super teacher”, had previously found it challenging with only one functioning arm to juggle carrying pens, books and worksheets while trying to help children.
She had her arm funded by the Worshipful Company of Glovers of London, who donate prosthetic hands and arms to people unable to get help from the NHS or through other means.
She said: “My previous prosthetics have always been made to look realistic, so they look like real hands.
“The hero arm is so different to anything I’ve ever had, but it has given me so much more confidence.
VIKKI SMITH:
“I have always hidden away, I’ve always liked people not looking at me, but then having this, it’s like a different me.
“I remember when I put it on and walked to work on the first day, and I walked with my sleeves rolled up and it on full show, I was really proud of it.
“The kids say it’s my robot arm, it’s made me into a super teacher.”
She is now able to use her bionic arm to cook, eat and drink and carry objects in the classroom.
She said it will allow her to demonstrate how people can overcome challenges in life and ensure that the children under her care can understand the importance of inclusivity.
Jonathan Isaacs, chairman of the Glovers Prosthetics Working Group, said: “We chose Vikki as our first hero arm candidate as we recognised that it would be a life-changing opportunity for her in her personal and work life.
“We recognised her ability to project positivity in overcoming difficulties and her determination to encourage inclusivity.”
Master Glover Mr Roger De Courcey, said: “The Worshipful Company of Glovers feel very privileged to have been involved in such a wonderful project.”