Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Louie Smith

Boy whose legs were amputated after horrific abuse as baby walks for first time

Pride of Britain award winner Tony Hudgell has walked unaided for the first time ever.

Brave Tony, six, was so horrifically abused by his biological parents when he was a baby that doctors had to amputate his legs.

Last year he raised £1.5million for the hospital that saved his life by walking 10km on his prosthetics with crutches.

The young fundraiser has now ditched the crutches and taken 500 steps over four days, raising another £70,000.

What is your view? Have your say in the comment section

Proud mum Paula, 53, said Tony was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore and started his latest charity walk on Friday, which would have been Capt Sir Tom’s 101st birthday.

Paula, of Kings Hill, Kent, said: “Tony wanted to mark his birthday by taking part in the 100 steps challenge.

"We knew from previous challenges that Tony would probably beat it but he smashed it, completing more than 500 steps over the four days.”

Tony Hudgel taking the final steps during his fundraising walk in West Malling Kent, with mum, Paula and dad Mark (PA)

She said “incredible” Tony now plans to learn to Moonwalk like pop star Michael Jackson.

Tony was just one month old when he was admitted to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital in Southwark, South East London, with multiple fractures, multiple organ failure and sepsis.

Jody Simpson and Antony Smith, who caused his injuries, will be freed on parole next year after half their 10-year terms.

Pride Of Britain Winner Tony Hudgell with his POB trophy outside Hamleys Toy Shop in London today together with his family, dad Mark, mum Paula, sisters Jessica (14) Lacey (8) and brother Jayden (Phil Harris)
A thumbs up from brave Tony (Paula Hudgell / SWNS.COM)

Paula is campaigning for the maximum penalty for such offences to be increased to life.

She also wants a register of convicted child abusers under what would be known as Tony’s Law.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.