Playing piano with no hands...girl told it was impossible
Paul Jeeves
A GIRL who lost both her hands as a baby after contracting meningitis has found a passion for practising the piano during the coronavirus crisis.
Tilly Lockey, 14, was told she would “never play” because of her double amputation, but says the instrument has become light at the end of the tunnel staying at home.
She loves proving people wrong and is determined to inspire others to achieve their “impossible” dreams.
Her mum Sarah was so cross when a physiotherapist remarked that Tilly would never play the piano that she immediately had one delivered. But her daughter was always too busy to attempt playing until the lockdown.
Improving
The Year 10 pupil now spends an hour each Tuesday and Thursday practising her favourite songs, including Falling by Harry Styles.
Tilly has been improving each day, using one of her older prosthetics – fondly known as the rake – as it has three prongs held together with tape.
She uses this to play basic threenote chords and uses her elbow to play single notes. She hopes technology will develop allowing her to use all-bionic fingers independently.
Tilly, of Consett, Co Durham, said: “Everyone will say that playing the piano with no hands is impossible.
“Well I’m doing it, I found my own way and that’s what I want people to know they can find their own way, too. People shouldn’t feel like their disability limits their potential – we can all achieve great things.
“I love playing the piano, and my mum loves watching me play. I think I’ve become a lot more confident and I don’t want to hide the fact I have no hands. Everyone wants to feel normal and accepted, so it can be difficult when you’re different.
“But I don’t want to hide the fact that I have no hands, I want to celebrate it.
Tilly faced 10 blood transfusions after contracting meningococcal septicaemia at 15 months and survived despite being given a zero per cent chance of survival.
Mother of four Sarah, 41, said she “couldn’t be prouder” of Tilly.
She added: “When you’ve seen your daughter in hospital fighting for her life, you will do anything to make sure she lives the best life. We were never going to deny her any possibilities and that’s how she grew up.”