Former Royal Marine Commando Ben McBean, a double amputee injured in Afghanistan, has opened a GoFundMe campaign to finance a bionic arm abroad after the NHS failed to provide one despite earlier promises . The 39‑year‑old, who counts Prince Harry among his friends, hopes the prosthetic will let him hold his sons’ hands and regain daily independence.

Ben McBean's £22,000 GoFundMe Goal

McBean’s appeal seeks £22,000 to cover travel and the cost of a myoelectric prosthetic, a technology that translates muscle signals into precise hand movements.. According to the campaign, more than £21,000 has already been pledged, reflecting strong public sympathy. The funds would enable him to travel overseas, where such advanced devices are currently more accessible than within the UK’s public health system.

Prince Harry’s Public Support for McBean

Prince Harry, who has long advocated for veterans’ welfare, publicly praised McBean’s resilience after the 2008 land‑mine blast that left him with an arm and a leg missing. In a recent interview, the prince reiterated his belief that “our heroes deserve the best care we can give,” underscoring the personal connection that has amplified media attention on the case.

Veterans' Groups Call NHS Failure a "Slap in the Face"

Ex‑SAS soldier and author Andy McNab described the situation as “a slap in the face for veterans,” highlighting a broader frustration among former service members. As reported by the source, veterans’ advocates argue that the NHS’s pledge to provide bionic arms to all eligible amputees by 2022 has not been met, leaving individuals like McBean to seek private solutions.

Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge Demands Inquiry

James Cartlidge , the Shadow Defence Secretary, called McBean “a hero who deserves all the help he can get” and urged ministers to launch an urgent investigation into why the NHS has not offered him a bionic arm. According to the report, Cartlidge’s statement adds political pressure to a debate that has already drawn criticism from veteran charities and MPs.

Why Has the NHS Not Offered a Bionic Arm to McBean?

The core unanswered question remains the NHS’s eligibility criteria and funding pathways for cutting‑edge prosthetics. The source notes that McBean has attended regular follow‑up appointments but never received an offer for a myoelectric device, sugesting possible bureaucratic bottlenecks or budget constraints. Additionally, the case raises whether the 2022 NHS pledge was ever fully operationalised.