Alex's Story

On my right side I am missing the radial bone in my forearm (Radial Aplasia). 
My right arm is shorter than my left and my hand bends inwards.
I have 4 ‘pinky’ fingers and no thumb.

When I was a toddler I was given a brace to help hold the hand out slightly, rather than being bent into my arm.
The option of surgery to straighten it was given to my parents but they declined as they did not feel that it was their decision as there was a risk to movement and strength.

The surgeons also explored whether this option was right for me but found as my elbow does not bend much it would limit what I could do.

I am very determined and rarely let this get in my way, however I was repeatedly bullied through schools and college.

This did and still does affect my self esteem and I’m not the most confident person.