This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
London's Evelina Children's Hospital has received a heartwarming surprise from a young patient who has raised over Ksh.100 million for the institution that saved his life when he was just weeks old.
Five-year-old Tony Hudgell, who lost both his legs after suffering abuse from his biological parents as a newborn, has walked six miles in a month to raise funds for the hospital.
Initially aiming to raise £500, Tony smashed his target almost instantly, raising £1.1 million on his online fundraising page as of Wednesday.
He completed his walk on Tuesday in front of a sizable crowd in his hometown of West Malling, southeast England, and celebrated with his adoptive family.
“It is incredible to think that just a few weeks ago Tony could barely take a few steps. He is such a strong and determined boy and we are so proud,” his mother, Paula Hudgell, told the PA Media news agency at the event.
Tony's determination was inspired by the story of Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old war veteran who raised over $40 million for Britain's National Health Service by doing 100 laps of his back garden.
He received support from a number of British celebrities, including the Duchess of Cambridge, former Prime Minister David Cameron, and Chelsea footballer César Azpilicueta.
“Paula has been giving us regular updates and we’ve been amazed at his progress,” Caroline Gormley, Associate Director of Fundraising at the hospital, said in a statement.
“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.”
