Tony Hudgell's loving adoptive mother reveals she is battling stage four cancer - as she tells supporters she is 'ready for the biggest fight of my life'
The 59-year-old former nurse - who transformed the life of Tony, now ten, and campaigns for tougher child cruelty laws - was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022.
After a period of recovery, she has now been given the devastating news that the disease has returned and spread to her lung.
'It's been a really tough few weeks,' she said. 'In 2022, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer - and after feeling the best I have in years, I've now been hit with the heartbreaking news that it's returned, and this time it's also in my lung.
'Stage 4. It's been a huge shock, and it's taken some time for us to get our heads around it.'
Sharing a photo on Instagram showing the marking on her skin from a portacath being fitted [a medical device used to administer treatments], she continued: 'In ten days, I'll start aggressive chemo.
'We don't know exactly what the future holds, but I'm ready to give this the biggest fight of my life.'
Paula lives in Kent with her husband Mark and their family, including Tony, whom she and Mark adopted in 2016 after he survived horrific abuse at the hands of his birth parents.
Tony was just six weeks old when he suffered multiple fractures, sepsis, organ failure and ultimately had to have both legs amputated.
Despite his traumatic start in life, Tony has grown into a cheerful and determined young boy under Paula's care - learning to walk on prosthetic legs, raising more than £1.8 million for children's charities, and even winning a Pride of Britain award.
He has also won the admiration of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who have publicly praised him for his bravery and resilience.
In 2022, thanks to Paula's campaigning alongside MPs and charities, 'Tony's Law' was introduced to increase the maximum prison sentence for those who cause or allow serious harm or death to a child.
Though she now faces her own health battle, Paula made it clear that the work she and Tony have done together will continue.
'To our amazing friends and family: thank you for your love, support, and strength - you've been incredible, and it means the world,' she added.
'As for Tony and everything the @tonyhudgellfoundation stands for - nothing stops. The Lapland trips for the kids and their families will still go ahead, and I'll always be Tony's biggest supporter, just from the backseat for now, letting others take the reins.'
Paula's message ended with a stark but heartfelt plea: 'This beast may have returned, but I'm not going anywhere without a fight. And please - check your poo. Early detection saves lives.'
Supporters have flooded her post with comments, including ITV's Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins, who wrote: 'Oh no, I'm so very sorry to hear this - sending you so much love & a huge hug. Keep fighting.'
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