“In a heartwarming tale of resilience and innovation, a 90-year-old tortoise named Mrs. T in Pembrook, Wales, faced a serious threat when rats ate her front legs during hibernation. Distraught by the situation, the tortoise’s owner, Jude Ryder, sought veterinary help, but the £1,000 vet bill offered little improvement.

However, hope came in an unexpected form—Dale Ryder, Jude’s 37-year-old son and a mechanical engineer, decided to use his skills to enhance Mrs. T’s mobility. Gluing wheels from a model aircraft onto the tortoise’s shell, Dale turned Mrs. T into a bionic tortoise, making her twice as fast as before.

Jude Ryder remarked, ‘It was like fitting her with a turbocharger – she’s going double the speed she used to.’ The tortoise, which Dale had received as a gift when he was 8 years old and she was already in her 60s, experienced a remarkable transformation.

This heartening story showcases the resilience of Mrs. T and the inventive spirit of her owner’s family. Despite the challenging circumstances, Dale’s clever solution not only solved a mobility problem but also added an unexpected touch of speed to Mrs. T’s life.

Jude Ryder expressed optimism about Mrs. T’s future, stating, ‘Mrs. T is still quite young for a tortoise. She could go on for another 50 years – all she needs is a new set of tires every now and again.’

This narrative sheds light on the challenges tortoises face, particularly from rat attacks, which can be life-threatening. The story of Mrs. T stands as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals and the capacity for innovation to overcome adversity. May Mrs. T continue to enjoy her bionic adventures for many years to come.”