Navy vet ‘Santa’ receives life-changing Christmas present
Santa’s got a new little helper this year.
Retired U.S. Navy veteran Mike Tindall, 67, has become the first professional Santa Claus in the world to sport a bionic arm — and it’s just the right color, too.
After a 1994 work accident led to his left forearm being amputated, the former airplane mechanic eventually found a new calling — playing Father Christmas and bringing joy to his community, along with wife Cindy, 67, who plays Mrs. Claus.
Thirty years later, the selfless Sinterklaas is extending his reach — with a brand new Hero Arm, an advanced, 3D-printed multi-grip artificial limb manufactured by Open Bionics, a U.K.-based firm, SWNS reported.
Never one to let his situation stop him from living his life, the Memphis, Tenn. man did admit that his seasonal job had definitely presented a certain number of challenges over the years.
“I’ve been looking for something that is easy to use and can help me when I’m handing out presents, accepting letters, and meeting families,” the philanthropic Père Noël explained.
“When I first saw the red design, I knew it was perfect — it matches my Santa suit! I really appreciate the simplicity of controlling the arm,” he shared.
“It’s lightweight and so much more comfortable than what I’ve used before. I love how easy it is to switch between grips without any hassle.”
“When the kids saw the light flashing on my bionic arm I told them it’s a Santa tracker for Mrs. Claus so she can see where I am,” Tindall laughed.
“They thought it was so cool.”
The lightweight arm is equipped with sensors designed to read read muscle movements and convert them into bionic finger movements. It is easy to control and fully customizable, according to the company.
Tindall traveled to Open Bionics’ Texas clinic for his fitting — and tested his new accessory by holding a cup of hot chocolate, dunking a cookie and checking his naughty-and-nice list.
Samantha Payne is co-founder of Open Bionics — she said the company is thrilled to be a part of making Christmas special for so many people.
“Getting to help Santa with his mission to deliver joy and merriment for children at the holidays has been so much fun,” she saidd.
“We’re so glad the Hero Arm has been able to help Santa with all his two-handed tasks and holiday preparations. Hopefully, we’re on the good list this year.”
