A look back across two years for quadruple amputee – #ThisisLuke

Back in 2022 quadruple amputee Luke was fitted with a Hero Arm at one of our flagship clinics in the UK. He met the team, saw where the 3D printing of his bionic arm took place, and enjoyed quizzing our lead graphic designer about the new Disney Hero Arm designs we were working on. 

During the visit, Luke shared with our team member Evie about how he became limb different. Evie was 9-months pregnant, and while they were both heading on two totally different paths they bonded instantly. Two years on they have reunited at Luke’s Hero Arm re-fit appointment! Here Evie explains what Luke has been up to in the last two years. 

In 2019 Luke went into hospital ill with meningitis. While fighting meningitis Luke caught sepsis, which resulted in him needing to have both arms amputated below-the-elbow and both legs at the knee-cap. 

When I met Luke at his initial Hero Arm fitting appointment I was quickly taken by Luke’s extremely fun, confident, and outgoing nature, and we proceeded to talk for almost an hour about the journey he has been on. 

When I asked Luke about what’s next for him, he was very passionate about helping to raise funds and awareness for the amputee community. He wanted everyone to have access to medical devices and the rehabilitation programmes they needed. For a 9-year old to be so aware of the challenges the limb different community is facing, and to want to actively make a difference, I felt was very profound. 

Fast-forward two years; I’m just about getting into the swing of life after maternity leave, and once again meet Luke and his dad visiting the Open Bionics clinic. Within 5 mins of seeing me Luke shouts ‘Evie, I have a really important question; please tell me you still have the Nintendo Switch?!’ Ha! Yes we did. 

Luke is now 11-years old and about to start Secondary school. He was at the clinic to get a Hero Arm re-fit as he’s growing and wants to be ready for the new school year. 

When I spoke with Luke’s dad about what Luke has been up to for the past few years, I was left speechless. Everything he was passionate about and dreamed of doing when we first met, he had actually gone out there and achieved it!

I knew I had to share some of the work Luke has been doing because his pursuit of his passions is just too incredible not to share.

Here are some of the highlights of what Luke has been up to in the last few years: 

• A team assembled to take on ‘Luke’s Six peak challenge’ taking on Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, Ingleborough and Snowden in 48 hours! They raised nearly £20k ($25k) when the initial target was £10k ($13k)! 
• Climbed Pen-y-ghent to meet the six peaks team on the fundraiser
• He actually climbed Pen-y-ghent twice, the first one was a trial run!  
• Climbed to the top of Embsay Crag, 656 ft to raise £26k ($33k) for Children in Need and Limb Power.
• Has been advocating for the limb difference community across national and local news channels. Making multiple appearances on BBC News and hanging out on the This Morning sofa with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
• Walked out at Twickenham as a mascot for the Barbarians v Fiji rugby match.
• Was awarded a Point of Light award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his fundraising efforts. 
• Joined Chris Evans on stage at Carfest in front of thousands of people, and bravely asked people to support the needs of amputees and get involved.
• Worked with Band of Builders to revamp his house which also included interviews across national news (now has all the storage he needs for Legos). 
• Has had a chance to hang out with some awesome celebs including, Steve Backshall, Rob Brydon, Peter Andre , Lee Mac, Richard Hammond, Jason Manford, Ricky Wilson and the legend Rob Brydon.

Luke isn’t stopping there, he has a lot planned for the next two years, and I’m personally so proud and excited to be part of his hype team. Watch this space! 

If you would like to wear the same tech as Luke, please get in touch here.

If you want to support Luke on his fundraising journey, please see his Just Giving page here.