Star Wars fan, 11, gets world’s first R2-D2 prosthetic arm after losing limbs to meningitis
A YOUNG Star Wars fan has become the first person to be fitted with an R2-D2 prosthetic arm.
Kye Vincent, a quadruple amputee, is using the android-themed multi-grip attachment after telling his family he wanted to be a “bionic boy”.
The 11-year-old will be able to wear it for years because it can be adjusted as he grows up — so he can always feel like a “superhero”.
His family were put in contact with Bristol-based Open Bionics after Kye lost his right hand, part of his left and his lower legs to meningitis when he was eight.
The 3D-printed limb works by using electronic sensors to detect muscle movements.
It is controlled by tensing the same muscles that are used to open and close a biological hand.
The limb, known as the Hero Arm, is the only one available for kids and Kye is the first person to get the R2-D2 version.
The arm can be adjusted as a child grows, unlike NHS prosthetics.
Kye uses it for everyday tasks, such as eating, and even got to fist- bump fellow quadruple amputee, Kim Smith, when trying it out.
Mum Cheryl, of Leighton Buzzard, Beds, said: “They didn’t have much of a chance of saving Kye’s limbs when he was ill and he said he wanted to be a bionic boy, so we started fundraising.
“Seeing Kye with a hand again was very, very emotional. I was so full of pride and so happy for him.”
'FULL OF PRIDE'
She added: “From a very young age he has always loved Star Wars and to have it on a prosthetic arm, well, it shows what he’s into.”
Samantha Payne, of Open Bionics, said the firm was working with the NHS to make the limbs — only available privately at present — more widely available.
She said they were waiting for NHS England to update guidelines so multi-grip technology is available to amputees, and claimed it cost the same or less than NHS alternatives.
She said: “There are no other multi-grip prosthetics available for children, and the ones that are can be quite ugly or impractical.”
Boss Joel Gibbard said: “We’re so grateful to Lucasfilm for allowing us to find inspiration from their incredible Star Wars characters.
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“The R2-D2 covers for the Hero Arm are easy to take on and off.
“They showcase that your uniqueness is your superpower.
“You shouldn’t feel like you have to hide your limb difference — instead you can show it off.”
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