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Five-year-old Tony Hudgell has done marvellously learning how to walk on his artificial legs, but now he can take it easy.
The double amputee from Kings Hill has been presented with a ride-on electric car by the motor-racing squad Team BRIT, in recognition of his tremendous achievements.
Joe Coshan joined the Hudgells and Team BRIT
Tony - known as Bear - was severely abused by his natural parents when he was a baby - such that he lost both his legs and almost lost his life. Jody Simpson and Antony Smith were later jailed for 10 years for the abuse. But Bear has since found happiness with his new adoptive mum Paula.
This morning they travelled to Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey where Bear met Team BRIT's founder David Player and other members of the crew.
They presented him with his own miniature hand-controlled Range Rover and other gifts including an honorary membership to the team that comprises only disabled racing drivers.
Bear also got to try out a specially adapted racing simulator and have a ride in the team’s academy car.
Bear achieved national fame in June, when he set out to do a 10km charity walk - emulating the triumph of Captain Tom Moore.
Bear wanted to raise £500 for the Evelina London Children's Hospital, where he was treated as a baby.
He ended up raising £1.6m.
Mr Player said: “I was shocked, moved and amazed when I heard Bear’s story.
"We’re used to working with people who have suffered physical or psychological challenge, but it’s hard to compare anything to what this wonderful young boy has been through."
“To do what he did to raise funds for charity is simply amazing and we would love to help Paula raise more money for everything that Bear needs.
“His day at our HQ was a small gesture, but our way of saying thank you to a young lad who will inspire us for years to come.”
Mrs Hudgell said: “Meeting Team BRIT, gaining his ‘licence’ and receiving his amazing car has just been incredible for Tony.
“We want him to know that he can do whatever he wants to do, he might just have to do it slightly differently to other people.
"We always tell him he’s not disabled, he’s differently able and Team BRIT share that belief."
She said: “Nothing seems to stop him and I hope meeting the team will inspire him even further.”
Bear still lives with deafness and a dislocated hip. Currently his family are trying to raise £150,00 to better adapt their home to his needs, including the installation of a lift and a wet room.
Anyone able to help can do so via a Just Giving page here.
