Bullies Mock Girl without Forearm — She Feels Like a Superhero after Being Gifted a 'New Hand'

In 2017, a five-year-old girl who had been bullied all her life finally got to feel like a superhero. Lottie Wilson-Dale was born without her left forearm after an incident in the womb caused it to be amputated.

Lottie Wilson-Dale grew up being bullied because she was different from other children, and some even gave her a cruel nickname related to her arm, which was damaged before birth. However, she got a new lease on life in 2019, and her family loved it.

Lottie's mother always felt strongly about helping her daughter fit in more and not have children, and even the occasional adult pointed and laughed at her child for being different from the other children on the playground.

Lottie lost her left forearm in the womb due to amniotic band syndrome, which occurs when string-like tissues in the womb wrap around a limb and restrict blood flow, causing the limb to be amputated.

As Lottie grew up, some bullies called her "hook hand" or said things like "Ew, look at her snake arm" because her arm ends below her elbow just before her wrist. However, Lottie's life was forever changed after three years on a waiting list.

How Was Lottie Fitted with A Prosthetic Arm?

Lottie was on a waiting list for three years until 2017 when she was finally fitted with a prosthetic arm and hand, which she got for free from charity team UmLimbited. Of Lottie's new arm, her mother, Michelle, said:

"It was important for me and Natalie Wilson [Lottie's other mother] to apply for the prosthetic arm, as we don't ever want her to get bullied or feel left out as she gets older."

The couple also didn't want their daughter's right pectoral muscle to develop faster than her left and give the children something else to bully Lottie about as she got older. They were thrilled that Lottie could alternate between arms and play like any other child.

Michelle confirmed that her daughter felt like a "superhero" after having the prosthetic fitted, loved playing with her brother, and even found her household chores more fun. She was also eager to show off her new prosthetics to all those important to her, starting with her teacher. Michelle shared:

"She was so excited to go to school and surprise her teacher by passing her lunch choice on the piece of paper with her new hand, which actually moved her teacher to tears."

While the new arm gave Lottie newfound confidence, Michelle acknowledged that people had been incredibly cruel to her until then. While children called her terrible names, their parents would stop and stare.

Although the staring didn't bother Lottie much, Michelle said she and Natalie found it difficult to have people staring at her.

It was only around 2017 when Lottie started asking about the differences between her and her little brother Michelle shared:

"Lottie has started to question why she is "different" and wonders why her little brother Ruben has two hands, and she doesn't."

Michelle added that when Lottie asks about her arm and the differences between her and her brother, they assure her that she is unique and that they will never stop loving her no matter what.

Lottie may have a significant difference from other children, but her mothers have given her a beautiful life that is no different from any other child her age. Lottie has been on rollercoasters, gone to family events, and has a good time like any other child her age.

What Is Lottie's Life Like Now?

In a video interview with Lottie and her family, the young girl proudly holds her prosthetic up and says that she "loves [her] pink arm." She is also seen reading a book as her mother talks about her arm.

Lottie's mother explained that amniotic band syndrome could result in a cleft lip or something similar to Lottie, where the entire limb is affected. Once the band has tied around the limb and restricted the growth, it dissolves, which is why doctors have not yet found a way to prevent it from happening.

Another video showed Lottie opening her prosthesis for the first time. As she unraveled the bubble wrap that encased her new arm, her smile grew larger by the second. When she finally saw the prosthesis, she excitedly exclaimed: "Wowza!"

While her mother says her confidence has grown since she was fitted with the prosthesis, she acknowledged that Lottie is still limited when it comes to things she can do. Her prosthesis is plastic and can only lift lightweight things.

As Lottie's mother speaks, videos of Lottie doing everything from lifting a small lamp to shaking her mother's hand pop up. In each video, Lottie's smile seems more expansive than the last as she tries everything she couldn't do when she did not have her prosthesis.

Lottie's mom also shared a video of Lottie on Facebook, showing her mother how she bends her prosthesis and uses her arm. Lottie received comments about her "superhero hand," with one saying it was as impressive as she was and another reading:

"Love, love, love your superhero hand, your going to give the best hi-fives ever. Your dress is beautiful to match your beautiful face. Xx"

Lottie's mothers were thrilled that she finally had a little more confidence on the playground and at school but was mindful that she would eventually grow out of her prosthesis and need to be fitted with another one.

Michelle hoped it would become more affordable so they could provide Lottie with a new one anytime she might need it. Michelle gushed:

"We were fortunate enough to receive her 3D plastic hand for free this time from the amazing charity as it has helped make her feel like other children her age. The help from this charity and Brighton Rehabilitation Centre making adaptions have been amazing."

UnLimbited is a collaboration between Drew Murray and Stephen Davies. The team designs, 3D prints, and delivers prosthetic hands and arms free of charge to people who cannot afford a prosthesis any other way.

The charity was launched in the UK in 2015 and had built over 100 devices by 2019. The devices were designed for and delivered to people aged four to seventy. Lottie was one of the lucky ones that got her second chance with this charity.

Lottie is, unfortunately, one of many children who have had to face this kind of adversity in their lives. Another little girl was only one when fitted with a prosthetic leg that allowed her to walk correctly. Read her story here.