'The NHS gave me the world's most advanced bionic arm - it gave me my life back'

A farmer who lost his arm in a crop cutter accident is the first NHS patient to be fitted with the world 's most advanced bionic limb.

Ashley Herbert got his right hand caught in a forage harvester when he was just 24 years old. He spent more than a decade struggling with prosthetics that were either too heavy or uncomfortable. Now he has his "his life back" thanks to the Hero PRO bionic limb.

The most advanced multi-grip arm in the world, it means Ashley can work on the farm and has an attachment which means he can also get back on his bike. It has transformed his life. Ashley, now 35, of Carlisle, Cumbria, said: "As soon as I tried it, I knew this was perfect. The grip is so much stronger."

READ MORE: Call of Duty inspired bionic arm makes veteran 'feel whole again' after horror explosion

READ MORE: TfL accuse mum who lost limbs falling down Tube gap of 'contributing' to own injuries

"I can pick up everything from a ping pong ball to a piece of paper on a table, to pushing a supermarket trolley. I can enjoy a pint down the pub with friends, and I can use my spanner and tools on the farm with confidence."

Ashley was on a farm near Penrith, Cumbria, when his hand became caught in the machine. He was rushed to hospital by air ambulance for emergency surgery but had lost his right hand 'at the wrist'.

Just three months after his amputation, Ashley started to use 'big claw' prosthetics, but struggled with everydays tasks. He added: "It was great for heavy-duty farm work but not practical day to day.

I even got kicked out of nightclubs because bouncers wouldn't let me in with a metal claw. Hero PRO is completely different; I can wear out socially with ease, whether that's to stag dos, shopping, or just down the pub. I've been an amputee for 11 years.

"I've spent that whole time waiting for the right prosthesis. I didn't mind waiting a few months for Hero PRO because it's worth it. My friends and family think it's incredible. The bonus is the hand just clips out.

"It means in the future I'll be able to swap it for a cycling attachment. I've done 600 kms in a day and a half. I'm really looking forward to trying the biking attachment with a socket I already love that keeps me cool, and seeing how far I can push myself."

His arm has wireless connectivity, waterproofing, enhanced wrist rotation with flexion, improved dexterity, and unmatched speed. It comes after a number of hand transplant operations as science advances. Some athletes, including boxer Bradley Saunders, have had their hands 'rebuilt' using bones from other parts of their body.

Samantha Payne, co-founder of Bristol-based Open Bionics, said: "When clinicians and patients evaluate comfort, function, durability, and access together, outcomes improve and lives change.

"Ashley's story shows how evidence-based procurement can deliver cutting-edge prosthetics to the people who need them most, on the pathways that already serve them."