Inspiring five-year-old raises over £1 million for hospital that saved him

A five-year-old boy has raised a staggering amount of money for the hospital that saved his life.

Tony Hudgell, from West Malling in Kent, is set to finish his fundraising challenge on 30 June, but has already raised more than £1,000,000 since the beginning of the month.

Having received his first pair of prosthetic legs earlier this year, Tony challenged himself to walk every day of June to raise money for Evelina London and set an initial target of £500. Tony has been making such strides with his walking, he’s just hit his initial target of 10 kilometres.

Tony suffered injuries as a baby which led him to being treated at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. As a result of these injuries, he had to have both of his legs amputated in 2017.

Parents Paula and Mark Hudgell, who adopted Tony when he was a baby, couldn’t be more proud.

Paula, 52, said: “I am speechless. The generosity of those who’ve got behind Tony is truly amazing.

“We are so proud of Tony for doing so well with his walking, while helping to make a difference to the lives of other children who need the care of Evelina London.

“Tony is over the moon to have raised so much money.  It feels wonderful to give back to a place that is so special to us. Evelina London is like a second home for Tony and the staff are like family.”

Tony was inspired to take on the challenge after seeing fellow fundraiser Captain Tom Moore on the television and recently received a video message from Captain Tom himself, congratulating him on his achievement.

Tony also received royal support from HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who posted messages of congratulations on their Twitter and Instagram accounts. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge is Patron of Evelina London.

Other high profile supporters include David Walliams, David Cameron, Alesha Dixon, Warwick Davis, Susanna Reid and Chelsea FC captain César Azpilicueta.

Caroline Gormley, Associate Director of Fundraising at Evelina London, said: “We are so impressed that Tony has passed his 10k target five days early and is determined to keep going to the end of June. Paula has been giving us regular updates and we’ve been amazed at his progress.

“We’ve been right behind Tony every step of the way and will be cheering him on over these final days of his challenge. His strength and the generosity of everyone who has donated will make such an incredible difference. He has made everyone at Evelina London so proud.”

Tony’s fundraising has even taken pride of place on Piccadilly Circus, with a huge electronic billboard on the iconic Piccadilly Lights site. The space was kindly donated by Ocean Outdoor and Landsec, with creative design by Heavenly Brand Agency.

To donate, visit Tony's fundraising walk Just Giving page.