A woman missing her left-hand says being able to use a bionic one would be "life-changing" as she seeks to overcome her latest struggle.

Julie Norwood was born missing her left hand and part of her lower arm.

Yet the mum-of-two, from Broadstairs, insists she never let the condition prevent her from being able to carry out everyday tasks like cooking and driving an assisted car.

However, the 53-year-old's biggest struggle came four years ago during the pandemic when she developed arthritis.

With growing joint pain and decreasing mobility, it means her right hand is now unable to grip.

It has caused Julie to struggle to administer medication for her type 1 diabetes, as drawing up her syringe to administer insulin becomes nearly impossible.

The disease has also resulted in her being put on autoimmune medication to overcome the pain.

Now reliant on husband Gary, 54, and children Kieran, 24, and Rhea, 19, she fears losing the independence she fought so hard for completely.

Julie said: "Now I have to use a cup with two handles just to have a coffee and I can't take the dogs for a walk as I can't hold the lead anymore.

"I can't grip a kitchen knife - Gaz hates the way I cut food because he's terrified the knife will slip.

"[But] I try not to let things stop me. If someone says 'you can't do that', I know it's a challenge and I have to try.

"But I've put so much strain on my hand over the years and now its deteriorating quickly.

"Not having my other hand makes everything so much harder and I'm so scared I'll lose my independence."

However, ground-breaking new technology means there may well be light at the end of the tunnel for Julie.

The checkout assistant was put in touch with Open Bionics last month.

The company, which develops low-cost, 3D printed bionic arms for people with below elbow amputations, allowed her to trial a pioneering bionic 'hero arm'.

Despite never having operated the technology before, video footage shows Julie moving the fingers using sensors before the hand was attached.

"When I went to Open Bionics and tried the arm, I just burst into tears," she added.

"I've never seen fingers move on my left-hand side.

"I don't give a monkey's that I couldn't feel them move - I thought 'wow, that's me, I did that.'"

Julie is now dreaming of having one of her own.

However, with the treatment not available on the NHS, she is now is trying to raise £20,000 to make her dream a reality and purchase her own, permanent one.

Those wishing to donate can do so here.

She explained: "If my right hand goes I'm knackered and wouldn't be able to do anything for myself.

"I wouldn't be able to work, drive or dress myself.

"I would need someone to cut my food up for me like I'm a toddler.

"I don't think I could live like that after I've worked so hard being independent.

"Gaz and my children are my rocks, but I'd feel like a burden to everyone.

"It (£20,000) feels like a mountain but this would be life-changing for me."