At just 15 months old, British girl Tilly Lockey contracted a severe form of meningococcal septicaemia. The life-threatening bacterial infection damaged her body so extensively that doctors had to amputate both of her hands (at the wrists) and her toes to save her life. She survived against the odds.

Rather than being defined by the limitations, Tilly embraced adaptive technology. Around the age of 10–12, she became one of the early pioneers of advanced bionic prosthetics when her family discovered Open Bionics. The Bristol-based company was developing affordable, 3D-printed myoelectric arms known as Hero Arms. These devices use sensors to detect electrical signals from the residual limb muscles, translating them into precise movements such as gripping, pinching, and other fine motor actions. Tilly was fitted with early prototypes and has continued to wear and test successive generations of the technology.

Her practical feedback has directly influenced design improvements, including features like “freeze mode” (to maintain a grip without constant muscle activation) and enhanced wrist articulation. In 2019 she received a special pair of Hero Arms inspired by the film Alita: Battle Angel, gifted in partnership with director James Cameron. She has since used updated versions, including prototypes of the more advanced Hero PRO and Hero RGD models, which offer greater strength, speed, wireless capability, and waterproofing.

Today Tilly is a model, motivational speaker, social-media personality, and international ambassador for medical innovation and disability inclusion. She has appeared on television, created content sharing her experiences, competed in and won a CBBC talent series, and advocates for accessible prosthetic technology. Her story demonstrates how physical loss can become the starting point for empowerment, technological progress, and a life lived fully on her own terms.

Tilly Lockey’s journey continues to inspire by showing that determination, combined with cutting-edge bionics, can transform challenge into opportunity.

Sources

• Open Bionics official materials, Wikipedia, BBC, and related coverage on Tilly Lockey’s survival of meningococcal septicaemia at 15 months, bilateral hand amputations, selection as an early Hero Arm user around 2016, ongoing role in product development, public appearances (including Alita-inspired arms), and career as model, speaker, and advocate for bionic innovation