Fin Lawlor is now able to start high school with a functioning arm
An 11-year-old boy who had all four limbs amputated after contracting meningitis has been fitted with a new bionic arm in time for starting high school.
Fin Lawlor developed meningococcal septicaemia when he was just two years old and had to have both his legs and arms amputated. Before going to high school, the youngster wanted to be able to perform basic tasks such as using a ruler and carrying a bag to school.
And this week, Fin, from Hereford, was fitted with an advanced bionic arm, a Hero PRO from UK bionics company Open Bionics.
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After trying out the arm for the first time, Fin said: “I’ve picked up a bottle and opened it and was able to pick up a pen. I could also pick up and unlock my phone. It feels amazing. I just wanted it to help me out and make my life easier.”
Within an hour of being fitted, Fin had put his new bionic arm to the test.
“When I was fitted, I was amazed at the design, it looks so cool. After the fitting, I practised writing using the key thumb mode, and was able to use a ruler and draw a straight line on paper.
“I also carried a backpack, grabbed fruit, but had to adjust the sensitivity on the grip as it crushed a honeycomb square.”
This is the first time Fin has worn an upper limb prosthesis. On his left side, where the amputation is at his wrist, he has a partial palm and thumb and already manages well day-to-day. His right side, amputated closer to his elbow, has less function, and it’s this side Fin wanted a Hero PRO to support him at school.
Fin was just two years old when what his parents thought was a cold or flu turned critical. Mum Sarah Bonner said he had become “a little floppy,” with a few pimple-like spots on his shoulder.
Once at hospital, his condition declined dramatically over the next three hours, until doctors made the decision to place him in an induced coma to stop the infection spreading.
After two weeks in hospital, surgeons amputated his arms and both legs below the knee. Fin has since had 10 operations in total, including having pins inserted into his leg bones.
Sarah said: “It was heartbreaking after the amputations to see such an active toddler try to get up and run around, but not being able to. Even though Fin was only two years old, after the amputations he refused to let me put black socks on his legs.
“I think the colour triggered the memory of waiting for the amputations. We made it our mission to get him leg prosthetics that will keep up with his energy and resilience.
“Today he loves kung fu, football, and swimming. The next chapter is helping him get back to riding his bike more confidently, and trying out tennis and ping pong, which is where I think the Hero PRO will really help him build that confidence.” commented mum.
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Speaking of the bionic arm, Sarah said: “It all happened much faster than we expected, from finding out about the Hero PRO, to a check socket appointment in June, we didn’t think it would be ready before school, but the clinical team worked so hard to make it happen for Fin.”
Fin’s Hero PRO was custom-built to his shape and individual requirements. It uses myoelectric sensors that detect muscle movements and convert them into intuitive, proportional bionic hand movements.
Samantha Payne MBE, Co-founder of Open Bionics, said: “Starting secondary school is such a big moment for any child, and it means so much to know Fin is walking into it with more independence and confidence with his new bionic arm.
“We wish Fin the very best luck at his new school.”
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