Navy Vet ‘Santa’ Gets Life-Changing Christmas Gift

Santa has a new helper this year.

Retired US Navy veteran Mike Tindall, 67, has become the world’s first professional Santa Claus with a bionic arm – and it’s the right color too.

After an accident at work in 1994 that led to the amputation of his left forearm, the former airplane mechanic eventually found a new calling – playing Father Christmas and bringing joy to his community, along with his wife Cindy, 67, who plays Mrs. Claus.

Thirty years later, the selfless Sinterklaas is expanding his reach — with a new Hero arm, an advanced, 3D-printed multi-glove artificial limb made by Open Bionics, a UK-based firm, reported SWNS.

Never one to let his situation stop him from living his life, the Memphis, Tenn. man. did not admit that his seasonal work had definitely presented a certain number of challenges over the years.

“I’ve been looking for something that’s easy to use and can help me deliver gifts, receive letters and meet families,” explained the philanthropist Père Noël.

“When I first saw the red design, I knew it was perfect – it matches my Santa suit! I really appreciate the simplicity of the wing control,” he said.

“It’s light and much more comfortable than what I used before. I love how easy it is to switch between clips without any hassle.”

“When the kids saw the blinking light on my bionic arm, I told them it was a Santa tracker for Mrs. Claus so she could see where I was,” laughed Tindall.

“They thought it was so cool.”

The light arm is equipped with sensors designed to read the movements of the read muscles and convert them into bionic movements of the fingers. It’s easy to control and fully customizable, according to the company.

Tindall traveled to the Open Bionics clinic in Texas for his fitting — and tested his new accessory by holding a mug of hot chocolate, munching on a cookie and checking off 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.

“Helping Santa with his mission to bring cheer and joy to children during the holidays has been so much fun,” she said.

“We are very pleased that Armi Hero has been able to help Santa with all his two-handed duties and holiday preparations. Hopefully we’re on the good list this year.”