More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Kate Middleton has written a special letter to young Tony Hudgell, who raised more than £1million for charity by walking 10km on his prosthetic legs.
Tony, known as Bear, from Kings Hill , had to have both legs amputated and was left fighting for his life when he was just days old, after suffering devastating abuse at the hands of his biological parents.
In June, supported he completed a 10km charity walk on his new prosthetic legs, emulating the work of Captain Tom Moore. He wanted to support the Evelina Children's Hospital, where he was treated as a baby.
But all fundraising predictions of around £500 were smashed when he brought in an incredible £1.6 million and he achieved national fame for his efforts.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is a patron of the London hospital.
Her letter to Tony read: "I wanted to send you my congratulations following your amazing fundraising efforts last month.
'It was wonderful to hear how you were inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore's story to carry out your own walk. I am very impressed that you carried on even after reaching your target of 10km!
"I know that your efforts have been hugely appreciated by Evelina, and we are all so proud of what you have achieved.'
"I hope that you manage to have a very well deserved rest before starting on your next adventure - whatever that may be!
Catherine.'
His mum Paula wrote: "We were super excited that Bear received a special letter from Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge. Absolutely one to treasure."
It tops off an amazing few months for the five-year-old, who has enjoyed a loving home with Paula and Mark Hudgell for the last few years.
This week he was presented with a ride-on electric car by the motor-racing squad Team BRIT, to thank him for his achievements.
The family travelled to Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey where he met Team BRIT's founder David Player and other members of the crew and had a ride around the track.
In July Boris Johnson visited the Discovery School in Kings Hill where Tony is a pupil and spent time chatting with him.
He's also been presented with the Prime Minister's Points of Light award, which marks outstanding efforts by volunteers.
In 2017 Jody Simpson and Antony Smith's abuse resulted in Tony having to have both legs amputated and left him fighting for his life when just 41 days old.
The Maidstone couple were both eventually jailed for 10 years in 2018 and have had subsequent attempts to slash their sentences rejected by the courts.
Tony also lives with deafness and a dislocated hip. His family are trying to raise £150,000 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 .
