Former Royal Marine Commando Ben McBean,a double amputee from the 2008 Afghanistan landdmine blast,has opened a GoFundMe page to finance a trip overseas for a bionic arm after the NHS did not deliver on its 2022 pledge. The 39‑year‑old father of two hopes the advanced prosthetic will let him hold both of his sons’ hands at once.

The £22,000 goal that’s almost met

McBean’s campaign has raised just over £21,000, edging close to the £22,000 target needed for travel and surgery abroad,according to the GoFundMe page. He posted a grateful update saying, “One step closer. Can’t bloody believe it,” highlighting the public’s rapid response.

NHS promise of bionic arms in 2022 left unfulfilled for McBean

Despite the NHS’s 2022 commitment to provide bionic arms to all amputees, McBean says he has never been offered the technology, even after regular follow‑up appointments. as the report notes, “the NHS promised to offer all amputees bionic arms in 2022, but Mr McBean said he has never been offered one.” This gap underscores broader concerns about veteran healthcare delivery.

Political and veteran‑community reaction

Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge called McBean “a hero who deserves all the help he can get,” urging miisters to intervene. Ex‑SAS author Andy McNab described the situation as “a slap in the face for veterans.” Both statements, cited in the source, add pressure on policymakers to address the shortfall.

Racial abuse incident adds another layer to McBean’s struggles

Last year McBean publicly recounted a racist confrontation outside a Tesco in Plymouth,where an older woman shouted, “Get the f*** out of my country.” The incident,shared on X, amplified his ongoing battle with PTSD and highlighted the social challenges faced by disabled veterans.

Unanswered question: Will the NHS revisit its bionic‑arm pledge?

The source does not indicate whether the NHS has formally responded to McBean’s case or plans to reassess its 2022 promise , leaving a critical gap in accountability.