It's Robopop: Dad has the first bionic hand on the NHS - The Sun

A DAD has become Britain's first person to be fitted with a bionic robot-style hand on the NHS.

Delighted Mike Swainger, 33, was given the chance to try out the amazing technology after offering to act as a guinea pig for the firm that made it.

Mike — who lost his right lower arm and leg when he was hit by a train aged only 13 — said: "It's been a complete life-changer."

The father of three was given the robot hand, which opens and closes just like a real one, after doing research and approaching the manufacturer. It is operated by electrodes attached to the muscles in his upper arm.

It has allowed Mike to do everyday tasks he previously struggled with such as tying laces — and take up new pursuits like fishing.

And he said the best thing about it was holding hands with youngest daughter Jodie, six.

Mike, from Hull, who also has an artificial leg but uses a wheelchair too, said: "It encourages you to take on new things.

"And it's a great ice-breaker. I've heard little kids in the street saying, 'Look, it's a robot'.

"The best thing was when Jodie held the hand outside without batting an eyelid."

Mike, whose family includes Billy, 17, Ellie, 15, and fiancée Clare Palmer, 33, added: "Being an amputee can be daunting but it has had an incredible impact."

The hand was supplied by prosthetics firm RSLSteeper, which more usually works through the private sector or abroad.

It was funded through the NHS after discussions with the Hull Artificial Limbs Unit. RSLSteeper products division boss Paul Steeper said: "Thanks to people like Mike we are able to make constant improvements to designs."

Julia Mizon of the NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group said: "Helping people enjoy the best quality of life is a priority for us."

a.crick@the-sun.co.uk