Seven-year-old Yorkshire girl asks for £14,000 bionic arm to "look like her friends"

Beaux Faulkner was born without part of her right arm and has spent years adapting to everyday life with remarkable determination.

Now, as she gets older, the schoolgirl from Shipley, Bradford, has decided she would like a bionic arm to help give her greater confidence.

Her mum Kirsten Faulkner says that Beaux never lets her condition define her, but that the arm would help her with tasks.

Beaux enjoys riding her bike, swimming, playing football and collecting various items, and her mum says she is always willing to try new things.

Kirsten said: "I never thought it would be something she would be interested in. But I think she's getting to that age of realising she looks different.

"It's never bothered her so far, but it does bother her a little bit now. She said she wants to look like her friends.

"She's a character. She's so honest, she's absolutely hilarious and she's the kindest little girl you'd ever meet…she would honestly go out of her way for anybody.

"She should be restricted in certain things that she does, but her mindset is, 'I will do my absolute best until I physically can't do it anymore - she will literally give anything a go!"

The determination shown by the youngster often leaves people forgetting she has only one hand.

Kirsten added: "That's what everyone says about her. She's determined."

While Beaux tackles life with confidence, there are still everyday activities she finds difficult.

Kirsten said tying shoelaces, brushing teeth and styling her own hair can prove challenging.

The family first looked into a bionic arm several years ago after Beaux expressed an interest, but she was considered too young at the time.

Now older, she has been able to try a bionic prosthetic through a charity event organised by the Limbless Association.

The arm works using muscle movements and could help Beaux carry out tasks she currently struggles with.

Kirsten said: "She'll be able to hold things while she's eating, hold a cup steady, brush her teeth and do things like that…it'll make things ten times easier."

The prosthetic could also help Beaux take part in more activities at school and increase her independence.

The bionic arm costs around £20,000.

While funding support is available for part of the cost, the family must raise £14,000 themselves.

So far, they have raised over £6,500 through donations, raffles and support from friends and family.

Beaux's school is also holding a non-uniform day next week to help boost the total.

Kirsten said any support would be appreciated.

She added: "Anything will help, no matter how small it is…even just sharing the story to get it out to more people."

Kirsten found out during her 20-week anatomy scan that Beaux would be born with an upper limb difference.

Looking back on the day, she admits it was very overwhelming.

She said: "When we first found out about Beaux's hand, it honestly felt like our world had been crushed…but none of that matters once they're here. You figure it out."

Now she hopes the fundraising campaign will help give her daughter opportunities many people take for granted.