A SIX-year old who lost all four of her limbs to meningitis could get new “superhero” hands made using a 3D printer.

Charlotte Nott had the lower parts of her arms and legs amputated four years ago after suffering with meningitis.

The youngster needs at least one new pair of artificial legs every year, but mother Jenny Daniels said new prosthetic hands could transform her daughter’s life.

Now Bristol-based company Open Bionic has used 3D technology to craft a custom-made prosthetic hand, giving hope to young amputees worldwide.

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Mother-of-three Miss Daniels, of Cowley, said: “I think it’s still in the early stages but it’s exciting.

“Charlotte is definitely excited and ready to start trying out something new.”

Open Bionics founder Joel Gibbard’s creation involves using a 3D printer and scanner to construct the prosthetic limb after measurements have been collected from amputees.

The hand is controlled by motors which react to muscle signals from the remaining part of an amputee’s limb.

Mr Gibbard said: “I think it will mean the world for children and for their parents.

“We are focussed on creating bionic hands that will enable children like Charlotte to do more and feel great about their limb difference.

“Cosmetic hands are pretty ugly and hooks can scare small children so we’re going to create robotic hands that look like superhero hands.”

Miss Daniels, 33, spends about £6,000 on each pair of prosthetic legs by fundraising through Charlotte’s Appeal.

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Joel Gibbard

She said the family finds it difficult to reach the huge costs needed each year but it is a price she is always willing to pay.

But Mr Gibbard said he hopes the prosthetic hands will be on sale for about £1,000, making them affordable for families whose growing children regularly need new prosthetic limbs.

He added: “We want to make prosthetics that look exciting and stylish. A robotic hand that empowers amputees and most importantly a hand that amputees can afford.”

And his masterpieces could be available to youngsters like Charlotte, a pupils at St Francis C of E Primary School pupil, in the next year.

The family are set to meet with the firm early next month, where Charlotte’s measurements for a potential prosthetic hand will be taken.

Mr Gibbard said: “Charlotte is an amazing girl and an inspiration. We very much look forward to meeting Charlotte and her mother in the future.”


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