Dancing On Ice
Watch Heather's Dancing on Ice Videos

Heather meets Tilly Lockey

Whilst Heather was at Dorset Orthopaedic in Southampton December 2008 she was asked to meet Tilly Lockey age 3 and mum Sarah about the possibilities of Tilly's future. Heather was bowled by the courage of this brave toddler who had been so seriously ill with meningococcal septicaemia and had very nearly died. Doctors battled for seven days to save her young life and were forced in the end to amputate both her hands. The BBC were also following Tilly, filming a documentary about her life.

Sarah Lockey had been worried that Tilly might not be on top form today as they had been up very early at 5am to catch a flight from Newcastle that morning. You would never have know that this was the case, as Heather and Tilly bonded instantly, lots of smiles and giggly laughter permeated the room. Heather and Tilly played on the floor together and Heather was struck by Tilly’s resilience, already adapting so confidently to life without hands, picking up puzzles so naturally and popping the connect four pieces into the slot without a problem.

It was a lovely sight to see Tilly smile when Heather did her 'magic trick' and removed her own (special) prosthetic leg. Heather is so comfortable with her own disability and this in itself has a positive influence on fellow amputees, their family and friends. It has been a serious question for Tilly’s family and her professional consultant to decide whether to replace the hands with artificial hands or not. The prosthetic specialist was not completely convinced that electronic hands were totally suitable for a child so young as there was a bit of concern that the system may be too big. Mum understandably wanted practical hands for Tilly, that would give her the added ability of being able to grip but at a cost of 23,000 pounds a year they do not come cheap. Wanting only the best possible future for their daughter this amazing family had already managed to raise a huge amount of money for their daughter and Heather was filled with
admiration for them all and what that they had achieved already thus far.

There was some concern that Tilly may not adapt well to the new devices but Heather felt certain that this was indeed the best possible solution for Tilly and offered her reassurances and advice to mum. Watching how Tilly had adapted so well without hands it would have been tempting to think that it may be better to leave her without. But the same aptitude and determination that was helping Tilly to cope so well without hands, made Heather certain that Tilly would very soon get to grips with the new electronic hands that had the potential to improve her quality of life no end. Tilly should get as comfortable as possible with her new hands but it’s just as important for Tilly to feel the freedom of her limbs when she is not wearing them.

Learning comes so naturally to all young children and Tilly is an exceptional little girl with an amazing supportive family.

[Last Updated: 11th February 2009]