Thieves posing as charity workers have reportedly been trying to steal money by door-knocking for donations toward the Tony Hudgell Foundation.

Tony Hudgell, now nine, was left with numerous life-threatening and life-changing limb fractures, multiple organ failure and sepsis after violence at the hands of his birth parents when he was just 41 days old.

He was forced to have his legs amputated at the knee but has since found happiness with adopted parents Paula and Mark Hudgell, from West Malling.

The family launched the Tony Hudgell Foundation more than three years ago.

However, this month, Mrs Hudgell revealed door-to-door collections in Bexley were being carried out by people pretending to work for the charity.

“This has not been authorised by us or received any funds,” she wrote.

“Please share that [the] Tony Hudgell Foundation does not do door-to-door collections.

“Donations can be made via the correct channels through our website.”

She went on to explain that the collectors were wearing orange tabards and subsequently, urged anyone who had come into contact with them, to get in touch.

“They are the lowest of the low. I mean, it’s just crazy,” the 56-year-old told The Sun.

The incident has been reported to the police and charity commissions.

Last year, Tony was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the prevention of child abuse – becoming the youngest person on record ever to feature in the New Year Honours.

The family has campaigned for a change in the law surrounding the sentencing of abusers and in 2022, Tony's Law came into force.

It means anyone who causes or allows the death of a child or vulnerable adult in their household can now be given up to life in prison – increased from the previous 14-year maximum.

Jody Simpson and her partner Anthony Smith were sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018 for leaving Tony so badly injured he needed to have both legs amputated.

Last month, KentOnline reported that Simpson had been sent back to jail after allegedly “having a relationship with a sex offender”.

Simpson had been released last February despite attempts from then Justice Secretary Dominic Raab to stop it.

However, it has been revealed she has been recalled to prison after breaching her licence conditions.