Bionic hand proves life-changing for eight-year-old

The story of a young boy born without a hand, featured on UTV, sparked an £8,000 donation – and now a new bionic arm has changed Alfie Hunter’s life.

Earlier this year, dreams of a bionic limb seemed out of reach when the Ballynahinch boy’s parents were crushed to discover the cost was twice as much as expected.

However, a businessman from the United States heard Alfie’s story and was moved to help.

That meant Alfie could be fitted with his new hand just days before starting P5 – leaving him feeling like a superhero.

“It makes me feel like Iron Man,” Alfie told UTV.

“Before, I didn’t like people asking about it, but now I just say it’s a robot hand.”

Alfie’s teachers and classmates alike have seen a big difference in him, with his new hand making him happier and more confident.

He’s also hugely grateful to the businessman who made his dream come true.

“I just gave him a hug and said thank you,” Alfie said.

Having had just over a month to get used to his bionic hand, this is just the start of a new lease of life.