Andy Garthwaite, the veteran starting a new life with a bionic arm
Andy recently became one of only five people in the world to be fitted with a brain-powered prosthetic arm
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox
Get our free View from Westminster email
Andy joined the Queen’s Royal Lancers at the age of 16. After serving in Iraq he deployed to Afghanistan on OP HERRICK 12. Whilst on his penultimate patrol of the tour, a rocket-propelled grenade took off his right arm during an intense firefight. A close friend was killed in the incident.
Andy is only alive today because his team radioed for a helicopter, and within 10 minutes, was carrying him to it across an open field despite continuous enemy fire.
It has been a long road to recovery for Andy but he recently became one of only five people in the world to be fitted with a bionic arm, powered by the brain. The Soldiers’ Charity gave Andy two grants to assist with his rehabilitation.
The first paid for an iPad so he could type with one hand, the second helped fund adaptations to his bathroom. Prior to this Andy had fallen out of his shower a number of times; our funding helped provide a wet room so he could safely carry out his daily routines.
Andy is now able to ride his motorcycle and drive a car again. He has been medically discharged from the Army and says "Having The Soldiers’ Charity behind me, it’s not only given me more independence, it gives me reassurance just knowing that people are out there to give support if needed".
By donating to the Homeless Veterans campaign you can help another returning soldier like Andy get on with life without having to let injury or hardship hold them back.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies