Tilly Lockey – Bionic girl
Tilly, diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia at 15 months, lost both her hands. But she defied the odds, surviving and inspiring her family to promise her new hands. After trying various prosthetics she discovered Open Bionics, receiving unique, customisable bionic arms. Today at 17, Tilly embraces her differences, flaunting her style and confidence as a model, presenter and motivational speaker.
Photography Kim Hardy Text and Styling Lily Lam
Purple top and skirt by PINKO Official, Mesh shirt by Alabama Blonde
Tilly, at the age of 15 months, was diagnosed with a severe case of meningococcal septicaemia strain B, which resulted in the loss of both her hands. Despite being given no chance of survival, she considered losing her hands a small price to pay for her life.
The night before Tilly's hand amputation surgery, she was assured by her mum that one day, she would find a way to give her hands back. Motivated by this promise, she dedicated herself to fundraising for her future.
White ribbed vest by PINKO , Beige leather bustier by SHUXUAN G., Skirt by Sarah Regensburger, Necklace by KWK by KAYKWOK, Hair clips stylist own, Tights by SOCKSHOP, Pringle tights SOCKSHOP, Trainers by Buffalo
When Tilly turned 2 years old, she received her first prosthetic arm from the National Health Service (NHS). Although the arm was not technologically advanced, it had fingers moved by upper body power and elastic bands. However, due to her young age, Tilly struggled to operate the arm and didn't view it as a hand but rather as a claw-like attachment. What surprised Tilly and her family was the discreet manner in which the prosthetic arm was handed to her in a brown paper bag. This secrecy surrounding prosthetics left them wondering why it was such a taboo topic.
Since the NHS arm didn't work well for Tilly, she and her family decided to explore private options. The private prosthetic arms were more functional, allowing Tilly to use them at nursery. However, she still found them more cumbersome than helpful. The realistic design of the arms, with high-definition silicone, freckles, and wrinkles, aimed to help Tilly blend in and provide comfort to others, but it had unintended consequences. People on the street found them disconcerting because they couldn't determine if the arms were real or fake due to their lifelike appearance combined with robotic movements.
Black leather dress by Alabama Blonde
Shirt dress by BOURBON SUMMER CARTOON CRISIS!, Tights by SOCKSHOP, Pringle tights SOCKSHOP
At some point, Tilly began questioning the purpose of striving for realism and conformity. She wondered why looking a little different was perceived as a problem. That's when Tilly and her family discovered Open Bionics, a company that aimed to create intentionally unique and stylish bionics. This alignment of vision led Tilly to become the first child in the UK to receive their arms, working closely with Open Bionics since the prototype stage.
"I'd like to have a walk-in wardrobe filled with different bionic hands."
Tilly's first collaboration with Open Bionics was with Eidos Montreal, designing a prosthetic arm based on the video game Deus Ex. She proudly wore this arm at the San Diego Comic-Con, participating in a panel discussion with the game's creators. During the panel, when asked where she saw herself in five years, 10-year-old Tilly responded, "I'd like to have a walk-in wardrobe filled with different bionic hands."
Tilly's favourite aspect of the hero arm is its customisability. The magnetic cases on the arms allow her to easily switch them to match her outfits, which she often showcases on social media. Today, Tilly sees her prosthetics not only as medical devices but also as tools of self-expression. She encourages everyone to embrace their differences and not only accept but also celebrate them.
“She has become a model, presenter, singer, content creator, and motivational speaker, sharing her story worldwide.”
Now 17 years old, Tilly confidently flaunts her technology and style. She has become a model, presenter, singer, content creator, and motivational speaker, sharing her story worldwide. Recently, she walked the runway at London Fashion Week on the Models of Diversity catwalk. Tilly is truly breaking down barriers and achieving all of this with grace and determination.
Team Credits
Photography Kim Hardy
Text and Styling Lily Lam
Talent Tilly Lockey, Nemesis Models
Hair and make up Living with the Lockeys
Stylist assistant Catarina Soares
Art director Najat Serghini
Bionic arms by Open Bionics
READ NEXT
