More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
It’s Tony Hudgell’s seventh birthday, and what a better way to celebrate than to be featured on one of Britain’s favourite programmes?
The brave boy from Kings Hill appeared on breakfast TV show This Morning, where he and his family also announced the opening of a charity in his name.
The Tony Hudgell Foundation is a way for the youngster and his family to thank all their supporters and give something back through fundraising and events.
Their mission is "to enhance the lives of children who have been affected by physical, emotional, or psychological abuse".
Tony will be in charge of highlighting causes and sharing donations raised for his selected charities "to help children have a better tomorrow".
The seven-year-old had to have both legs amputated at just 41 days old, as a result of the horrendous abuse he suffered by his biological parents, which let him fighting for his life.
The pair, from Maidstone, were convicted of physically abusing him and were each jailed for 10 years in 2018.
Last year Tony raised more than £1.5m in his epic charity walk for the hospital which saved his life, and received personal congratulation from the Prime Minister Boris Johnson as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
He also earned a Pride of Britain Award, and now has a children’s book written in his honour.
After the chat, This Morning presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary had a surprise for the birthday boy.
Tony’s eyes glimmered as Dermot walked his way with a crate full of gifts just for him.
“I am surprised!” he said joyfully, which got a laugh and smile out of everyone in the studio.
The Discovery School pupil was smart enough to pull the most special gift straight out of the crate first - tickets to watch Chelsea at the UEFA Champions League.
When asked if he was interested in that, he didn’t hesitate to say "one hundred percent yes!"
His surprises didn’t stop there as he excitedly pulled out a new gun toy, shouting “Oh my God! I have a new one of these!”
Tony's seventh birthday was definitely unforgettable, as his adoptive mum Paula, 52, recalls he had a very special morning.
She said:"It was absolutely brilliant! Tony was blown away. He absolutely loved the morning!"
He also got to meet again with one of his close friends, presenter Charlotte Hawkins.
Tony met Charlotte four years ago when she presented him with the Ward Partners Award and has been her close friend ever since.
Click here to make a donation to Tony's foundation
