Boy, five, walks 10k with prosthetic legs for Evelina London Children’s Hospital – and he’s still going

A five-year-old boy has raised more than £1m for the hospital that saved his life.

Tony Hudgell is set to finish his fundraising challenge on June 30, but has already raised a staggering amount since the beginning of the month for Evelina Children’s Hospital.

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, pictured above, has been making such strides with his walking that he has just hit his initial target of 10km.

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

Parents Paula and Mark Hudgell, from West Malling in Kent, 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 TV and recently received a video message from Captain Tom himself, congratulating him on his achievement.

Tony also received royal support from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who posted messages of congratulations on their Twitter and Instagram accounts.

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

Caroline Gormley, associate director of fundraising at Evelina London, said: “We are so impressed that Tony has passed his 10km 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 to Tony’s fundraising walk, click here.