Tony Hudgell from Kings Hill in Kent in Southeast England is five years old.
However, this little boy is no ordinary one.
Tony is a double amputee who uses two prosthetic legs. Unfortunately, he lost his legs due to abuse that he suffered from his biological parents as a new born. This had left him with life support at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital since he was a few months old.
Tony set out, then, to raise money for the hospital. His initial goal was to raise around 500 pounds by walking a distance of 10 kilometres throughout June. However, he has surpassed that target by a massive margin by raising over 1 million pounds! Remarkably, he did so before the month of June ended.
Tony’s adoptive father Mark Hudgell told the BBC: “As a family we are all incredibly proud at what Tony has achieved.
“The level of donation and the improvement in his walking over the past 26 days has blown away all expectations.
“The support and kind words we have received is phenomenal – from friends, the local community, throughout the UK and even worldwide.”
“It is incredible to think that just a few weeks ago Tony could barely take a few steps. He is such a strong and determined boy and we are so proud,” his mother, Paula Hudgell, told the PA Media news agency.
Tony was inspired to take this initiative after watching Captain Tom Moore, a 100-year-old war veteran who walked 100 laps in his back garden to raise funds for the NHS.
Isn’t it amazing that such a little boy has so much determination, grit, and resolve? What do you think of Tony’s story? Do let us know your views in the comments section below.
1