Young Woman Born With Hand Anomaly Seeks Life-Changing Opportunity
Ffion Markham, a young woman from Neath, was born with a rare hand anomaly called symbrachydactyly, affecting one of her upper limbs. This condition, present at birth, is characterized by short, stiff, webbed, or missing fingers, impacting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Medical experts estimate that one in every 32,000 babies are born with this condition.
– Ffion faced challenges like tying shoelaces, cutting food, and doing daily tasks on her own growing up.
– She started hiding her hand in secondary school to avoid attention and questions.
– Despite the challenges, she pursued her dream of becoming a teacher and is now studying at university.
Ffion’s family has been supportive, helping her adapt and find ways to do things independently. Throughout the years, she has tried different prosthetics and aids but found them not very useful. However, a new opportunity has emerged that could change her life.
– Ffion has been offered a chance to receive a custom-made bionic hand by Open Bionics called the ‘Hero Arm’.
– The advanced bionic arm comes with various features to assist in daily tasks, such as different grips and a rotating wrist.
– The bionic arm costs £20,000, and Ffion has initiated a fundraiser to gather support from the public.
Ffion expressed her excitement about the potential life-changing opportunity the bionic hand presents. She shared her experiences with the children she teaches, who are fascinated by how she manages daily tasks with only one hand.
– Ffion’s fundraiser has already received overwhelming support, with contributions exceeding £1,600.
– A fundraising evening has been planned to further support her cause, featuring entertainment and a raffle at Tonna RFC.
The prospect of obtaining the bionic hand has not only stirred excitement in Ffion but also inspired her to showcase to others that differences do not hinder achieving dreams. The support and generosity she has received from the community have deeply touched her, emphasizing the power of unity and compassion in transforming lives.
If you wish to support Ffion’s fundraiser and help her reach her goal, you can donate [here](link to be inserted).