A TEENAGER who lost both his arms in an electrical accident has been flown to the UK in a bid to give him the Christmas present of a lifetime.

Aleksandr Ponomarenko, from Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine, was only 13 when the accident happened leaving him unable to write, feed himself or even visit the toilet on his own.

Aleksandr was electrocuted when he fell against an unmaintained electrical substation while playing football.

His arms were amputated to the elbow at the scene but one infection after another later led to both arms being amputated near the shoulder.

Thanks to the Bear Essential Aid charity the 16-year-old has been flown over to the UK to get prosthetic limbs fitted.

I am hoping I can ride my bike, learn to use a computer and drive a car. I would like to be able to write.'
ALEKSANDR PONOMARENKO

But, after visiting the Roehampton Clinic at Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton, the small charity has discovered it needs more money than was first calculated.

The hope was Aleksandr, who is currently staying at the home of fundraiser Guy Rampersaud's parents in Moordown, Shooters Hill, could be given one electric and one cosmetic arm.

However, after assessing Aleksandr in person the experts, who also treated the Iraqi boy, Ali Abbas, believe this will cost a minimum of 8,000 around 4,000 more than first estimated.

Mr Rampersaud, a south London fireman, who fundraises for the charity said: "You only need to stop for one minute and imagine one day without arms let alone a lifetime to see why we must help him.

"His father has been desperately trying to get help but the answer has always been we have no money and no equipment. The situation of poverty in Ukraine is all too common."

With no ability to do the things most 16-year-old boys take for granted Aleksandr has simple wishes if he gets his new arms.

Aleksandr said: "I am hoping I can ride my bike, learn to use a computer and drive a car. I would like to be able to write.

"I have not been in England for long but I like your houses and the people are very kind."

For his father Mikhail, 47, the realisation his son's future looks bleak unless he gets new limbs has led him to swallow his pride and ask for help.

He said: "I would be very grateful to any people who can help my son to have a better future. This would help him live a more independent life. It would make a big difference to him."

If you would like to help Aleksandr, call 01689 885724. Any cheques should be made payable to Bear Essential Aid.