With my new bionic hand I can open my Christmas presents for the first time, says the eight-year-old

A GIRL born without a left hand can open her Christmas presents for the first time this year – thanks to a bionic.

Eight-year-old Alexia Cliffe has never felt the thrill of ripping up wrapping paper left under the family tree.

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But the electronic prosthesis fitted last month – her first able to grasp – means her Christmas wish has finally come true.

Mum Angela, 40, said: “Your new bionic hand is amazing.

She can open and close the handle, which allows her to use a handful.

“She can’t stop picking things up all over the house. She’s totally excited about it.

“And she can’t wait to open her presents on Christmas Day.

“She’ll be able to tear them open for the first time in her life.”

So far, Alexia has gotten along with her elbow joint — and even managed to squeeze out a tube of toothpaste.

She has had several prosthetic arms, but none with a handle.

Single mom Angela, also a mother to Logan, five, said: “She’s always been so independent and manages, but there are things she just couldn’t do and that was very frustrating for her.

“I always had to cut up her food for her.”

Eventually, Middlesbrough-based Angela turned to Open Bionics, a Bristol-based company that develops 3D-printed bionic arms.

She applied for £11,000 in funding for the cost of the prosthesis, while the family also raised their own donations.

Alexia was fitted with a hero arm that uses muscle signals from the rest of the arm to provide grip function.

The Frozen fan even designed it to match Elsa’s dress.

It’s enabled her to do things that others take for granted, like brushing her hair and putting on shoes — and even holding her ukulele properly.

But Angela said: “The best thing is to see her opening her presents on Christmas morning.”

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