Joy for Wymondham family as 'hero arm' fundraising goal hit

But it will be a special moment for Caitlin Hutson when she finally gets to do it for the first time next month.

The Wymondham youngster was born with an exceptionally rare condition called symbrachydactyly which affects just one in 32,000 births.

The condition meant she was born with five fingers at the end of her left arm - but no bones, making many tasks incredibly difficult for her to do unassisted.

But after a huge community fundraising effort, she will soon be the proud owner of a "hero arm" - a bionic arm that will put her on a level playing field with other children.

The family has raised more than £18,000 through a Go Fund Me appeal and next month, the Ashleigh Primary pupil will finally collect her arm.

Maria Hutson, her mother, said: "It is all starting to feel very real now and Caitlin could not be more excited.

Caitlin Hutson, pictured as a baby. Picture: Maria Hutson (Image: Maria Hutson)

"It is going to be life-changing for her - she keeps saying how excited she is about being able to brush and dry her hair at the same time."

Next week, the family will travel to Bristol for a cast to be made of her arm and tests to be carried out and all being well she will be able to collect the arm on August 21.

Mrs Hutson added: "All her friends think it is really cool and she is so looking forward to having that extra independence.

"Even things as simple as being able to carry her dinner tray at school unaided will mean the world to her and make her feel the same as all of her peers.

"I'm not sure people realise quite how much their generosity means to us as a family - we're overwhelmed."