Tony Hudgell had to overcome great obstacles from the start of his life. Tony was severely abused as a child and lost both of his legs as a result of his abusive parents. Nevertheless, despite all of these challenges, Tony managed to pull off an extremely impressive feat: by walking and hiking mountains on crutches, he was able to earn around $2.2 million for charity. Amazingly, for his efforts to stop child abuse, he was awarded the British Empire Medal at the youngest age ever—just nine years old. Tony’s ordeal started with a string of medical emergencies, such as fractures, dislocations, and organ failures, which were caused by the abuse he received from his biological parents, Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson, who were later put in jail.
Notwithstanding the psychological and physical wounds he carried, Tony was resolved to use his misfortune as a driving force for positive change. Tony was adopted by Paula and Mark in 2016, and they have been Tony’s constant source of support ever since. Together, they founded the Tony Hudgell Foundation, which aims to assist kids dealing with comparable difficulties.
Over the years, Tony did incredible things to raise money for the hospital that saved his life. He sponsored a 10-kilometer walk and climbed a mountain in the Lake District. Spurred on by Captain Tom’s fundraising endeavors for Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Tony embarked on his fundraising expedition. Tony set out to raise a modest amount of money, but he raised $2.2 million through his sponsored walk, exceeding all expectations.
But Tony had far higher goals in mind. To take on new difficulties, he and mountaineer Hari Budha Magar—the first double amputee above the knee to summit Everest—overcame Orrest Head. Paula, Tony’s adoptive mother, talked about the emotional effects of seeing Tony’s accomplishments and expressed her admiration for his tenacity and willpower.
Tony’s story is a potent source of motivation for overcoming hardship and having a positive influence. His support of harsher punishments for child abuse earned him accolades throughout the country, such as the British Empire Medal and the Pride of Britain Medal.
Notwithstanding his achievements, Tony is steadfast in his resolve to save other kids from going through what he experienced, showing that bravery and tenacity can get over even the most formidable challenges.
