Afghan veteran launches GoFundMe for bionic arm after receiving only static prosthetics from NHS

Ben McBean, a 39-year-old veteran from Plymouth, set up a GoFundMe page to raise £26,000 for a bionic arm after losing a limb in Afghanistan in 2008. GB News reported that McBean has only ever been issued static prosthetics and had to negotiate to have them painted to match his skin colour. The static devices prevent him from holding his sons' hands or opening a door.

His sons are Albie, aged nine, and Maddox, aged five. ” He added that at present he has to get them to form a chain. McBean said he has never been offered a bionic prosthetic by the NHS despite attending doctors every two years for further surgeries on his wounds.

The NHS announced in 2022 that it would offer bionic prosthetics to all amputees, military or civilian. McBean stated: “I have never had a hand that moves, but technology is there. ” He has raised almost £22,000 on the GoFundMe page.

After the first donations arrived, McBean wrote: “I can't actually believe this. ” Six weeks later he posted: “One step closer. Can't bloody believe it. Nothing like this ever happens to me. ” McBean joined Prince Harry in a medical evacuation flight out of Afghanistan in 2008.

He has previously raised significant sums for charities. Diane Dernie, mother of veteran Ben Parkinson who also struggled to obtain bionic legs after a 2006 combat injury, said: “Those who have sacrificed the most must be given the best. ” He said some areas provide a “really good service” and others are lacking.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the Veterans’ Mobility Fund continues to accept applications and that individuals who have encountered difficulties should contact Help for Heroes, which administers the fund with Blesma, The Limbless Veterans charity. Donors have left messages on the page. One wrote: “God bless you Ben, thanks for your service.