Latest news with #TonyHudgell
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Pride of Britain winner Tony Hudgell's mum makes vow after shock revelation
Pride of Britain winner Tony Hudgell's mum received national praise for giving the youngster a second chance after the abuse he suffered at the hands of his birth parents The mum of Pride of Britain winner Tony Hudgell has vowed to "give this the biggest fight of my life' after sharing that she is now fighting stage four lung cancer. Paula Hudgell, who gave Tony a second chance at life and has won national praise for her tireless campaigning on child abuse laws, has revealed the sad news that her cancer has returned and spread, nearly two years after she was first diagnosed. The 57-year-old former nurse adopted Tony in 2016 after he was left with life-changing injuries by his birth parents. The abuse little Tony suffered was so severe that both of the youngster's legs had to be amputated. Paula was honoured with an OBE in 2022 for her fight to bring about Tony's Law. But that same year she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and in a moving social media post on Saturday, she told followers the disease has now returned and spread. 'It's been a really tough few weeks,' she wrote in an emotional Instagram message. '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 of the marking left on her chest from the portacath used to deliver treatment, she added: '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 children, including Tony, now 10. The couple adopted him after he survived unimaginable abuse as a baby - suffering fractures, sepsis, organ failure, and ultimately losing both legs. But despite his brutal start in life, Tony has defied all odds. He has walked on prosthetics, raised over £1.8 million for charity, and become a national hero - winning a Pride of Britain award and receiving heartfelt praise from the Prince and Princess of Wales. Paula's relentless campaigning alongside MPs and child protection charities led to the introduction of Tony's Law in 2022, increasing the maximum jail terms for those who cause or allow serious harm or death to a child. Jody Simpson, 33, and her partner Tony Smith, 54, were sentenced to 10 years in prison in February 2018. But Simpson was freed from prison on June 30 following a risk assessment by the Parole Board. She will face strict conditions including on her movements and contact with others. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told The Mirror: "This was a horrific crime that saw Tony Hudgell mercilessly tortured by his birth parents and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones. Now that Jody Simpson has been released as directed by the Independent Parole Board, she will be subject to strict supervision and licence conditions. She faces an immediate return to prison if she breaks the rules."
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
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'
Paula Hudgell, the devoted adoptive mother of child abuse survivor and double amputee Tony Hudgell, has revealed she is battling stage four lung cancer. 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.'
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Evil dad who abused boy, 10, so badly he lost both legs set to be freed from prison – days after vile mum also released
Medics had to remove the tot's legs below the knee ABUSER FREED Evil dad who abused boy, 10, so badly he lost both legs set to be freed from prison – days after vile mum also released Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE EVIL dad of brave double-amputee Tony Hudgell is set to be released from prison – just days after the youngster's birth mother was let out of jail, it can be revealed. A parole board hearing has decided Anthony Smith, 53, can be released after serving just seven years of his 10-year sentence. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Tony Hudgell had to have surgery to help him walk unaided Credit: Jim Bennett 5 Tony Hudgell's birth mother has also been released from prison Credit: PA:Press Association 5 Anthony Smith, 53, can be released after serving just seven years of his 10-year sentence Credit: SWNS He was jailed in 2018 after his baby son, Tony, now 10, was discovered to be in a critical condition having suffered a litany of terrible injuries. Medics had to remove the tot's legs below the knee. Tony, the youngest ever recipient of the British Empire Medal for his fundraising efforts, was only 41 days old at the time of the abuse and continues to suffer from the effects of his parent's cruelty. The decision comes in the same week Tony's cruel birth mum Jody Simpson, 33, was released from jail. A Parole Board summary of Smith's hearing revealed he will face strict license conditions upon his release, including wearing a GPS tag and a curfew. The panel heard that there would be extensive supervision of Smith under the proposed release plan. The panel concluded this plan would be 'robust enough to manage him in the community.' The summary said : 'After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody, the recommendations of the witnesses, and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.' Other licence conditions include having to comply with other identified limitations concerning contacts, activities and residency to avoid contact with victims, and to protect children in general. He will also have to meet specified restrictions relating to the use of mobile phones. Evil mum who tortured son so badly he lost his legs is ATTACKED in cell - after being recalled for sex offender fling Tony's adopted mum Paula Hudgell, 57, does not believe the conditions go far enough. The anti-child cruelty campaigner from West Malling, Kent, said: 'Another of Tony's remorseless birth parents is now going to be living free - while the boy they harmed deals with life-long injuries. 'He will be on licence, and I appreciate that he will be monitored, but after that licence expires he will do what he did while on bail and disappear. 'We know he uses aliases, we know he is a danger to children and yet he won't be tracked past the expiration of his licence. 'In my opinion he has shown absolutely no remorse for what he did to Tony - none at all - he remains a dangerous, violent person. 'This is why I keep continuing the campaign to introduce the Child Cruelty Register so we can keep track of people who could do harm to more kids. 'It's not just about Smith or Simpson, it's about making sure child abusers are prevented from harming innocent children." Smith, along with Tony's birth mum Jody Simpson, 33, was convicted of causing or allowing a child to sustain an injury and neglect by failing to seek immediate medical attention and sentenced to 10 years in jail. Doctors discovered baby Tony had multiple catastrophic injuries to his tiny body - with both his birth parents failing to get him help before it was almost too late. Medical staff at Evelina London Children's Hospital saved the tot's life, but he had to have both legs amputated at the knee as a result of his injuries when he was four-years-old, and has faced countless operations in the years that followed. Simpson was released from prison earlier this week, after serving only around six years of her sentence. But after two years on licence she, like Smith, will face no conditions on her freedom. The evil mum was first released from prison on license in February 2023 - after only serving five years of her sentence. Then, less than a year later in May 2024, the monster was recalled to prison after starting a relationship with a sex offender - in breach of her conditions. She was due to be automatically re-released earlier this year, but Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stepped in – forcing Simpson to face a parole hearing on May 19. The cruel parent has now been released, with strict license conditions controlling what she does for the next couple of years. She will have to report any new relationships to her probation officer, get regularly drug tested and will be GPS tagged. At the time, Paula said: 'It just feels very unfair that Simpson is now free to live her life and Tony is still dealing with the consequences of her actions and will be for life. 'I appreciate there is a prison overcrowding crisis and that the Parole Board has placed strict conditions on her, but it does not feel like enough. 'After her license expires in two years' time she will be completely free to do whatever she wants - including getting in a situation where she could cause harm to more children.' 5 He will also have to meet specified restrictions relating to the use of mobile phones Credit: Enterprise
The Sun
03-07-2025
- The Sun
Evil dad who abused boy, 10, so badly he lost both legs set to be freed from prison – days after vile mum also released
THE EVIL dad of brave double-amputee Tony Hudgell is set to be released from prison – just days after the youngster's birth mother was let out of jail, it can be revealed. A parole board hearing has decided Anthony Smith, 53, can be released after serving just seven years of his 10-year sentence. 5 5 5 He was jailed in 2018 after his baby son, Tony, now 10, was discovered to be in a critical condition having suffered a litany of terrible injuries. Medics had to remove the tot's legs below the knee. Tony, the youngest ever recipient of the British Empire Medal for his fundraising efforts, was only 41 days old at the time of the abuse and continues to suffer from the effects of his parent's cruelty. The decision comes in the same week Tony's cruel birth mum Jody Simpson, 33, was released from jail. A Parole Board summary of Smith's hearing revealed he will face strict license conditions upon his release, including wearing a GPS tag and a curfew. The panel heard that there would be extensive supervision of Smith under the proposed release plan. The panel concluded this plan would be 'robust enough to manage him in the community.' The summary said : 'After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody, the recommendations of the witnesses, and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.' Other licence conditions include having to comply with other identified limitations concerning contacts, activities and residency to avoid contact with victims, and to protect children in general. He will also have to meet specified restrictions relating to the use of mobile phones. Tony's adopted mum Paula Hudgell, 57, does not believe the conditions go far enough. The anti-child cruelty campaigner from West Malling, Kent, said: 'Another of Tony's remorseless birth parents is now going to be living free - while the boy they harmed deals with life-long injuries. 'He will be on licence, and I appreciate that he will be monitored, but after that licence expires he will do what he did while on bail and disappear. 'We know he uses aliases, we know he is a danger to children and yet he won't be tracked past the expiration of his licence. 'In my opinion he has shown absolutely no remorse for what he did to Tony - none at all - he remains a dangerous, violent person. 'This is why I keep continuing the campaign to introduce the Child Cruelty Register so we can keep track of people who could do harm to more kids. 'It's not just about Smith or Simpson, it's about making sure child abusers are prevented from harming innocent children." Smith, along with Tony's birth mum Jody Simpson, 33, was convicted of causing or allowing a child to sustain an injury and neglect by failing to seek immediate medical attention and sentenced to 10 years in jail. Doctors discovered baby Tony had multiple catastrophic injuries to his tiny body - with both his birth parents failing to get him help before it was almost too late. Medical staff at Evelina London Children's Hospital saved the tot's life, but he had to have both legs amputated at the knee as a result of his injuries when he was four-years-old, and has faced countless operations in the years that followed. Simpson was released from prison earlier this week, after serving only around six years of her sentence. But after two years on licence she, like Smith, will face no conditions on her freedom. The evil mum was first released from prison on license in February 2023 - after only serving five years of her sentence. Then, less than a year later in May 2024, the monster was recalled to prison after starting a relationship with a sex offender - in breach of her conditions. She was due to be automatically re-released earlier this year, but Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stepped in – forcing Simpson to face a parole hearing on May 19. The cruel parent has now been released, with strict license conditions controlling what she does for the next couple of years. She will have to report any new relationships to her probation officer, get regularly drug tested and will be GPS tagged. At the time, Paula said: 'It just feels very unfair that Simpson is now free to live her life and Tony is still dealing with the consequences of her actions and will be for life. 'I appreciate there is a prison overcrowding crisis and that the Parole Board has placed strict conditions on her, but it does not feel like enough. 'After her license expires in two years' time she will be completely free to do whatever she wants - including getting in a situation where she could cause harm to more children.' 5 5
BBC News
03-07-2025
- BBC News
Tony Hudgell's biological father to be released from prison
The biological father of a boy from Kent - who abused him so badly as a baby that both his legs had to be amputated - is to be released early from Hudgell's birth parents, Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson, were sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018, but a decision was made in June to release Hudgell, Tony's adoptive mother from King's Hill in Kent, said the Parole Board's decision was "deeply upsetting" and "a betrayal of justice", adding that Smith was "evil" and had not shown remorse for the harm he had caused Tony, now aged 10. But the board said it was "satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public". Ms Hudgell said: "This man caused immeasurable harm to Tony - damage that will last a lifetime - and yet he walks free while the victim continues to carry the weight of his actions every single day. "There has been no remorse from Smith, no acknowledgment of the suffering he caused."Nothing about his behaviour suggests he has changed or taken responsibility." Smith's release is subject to license conditions that include good behaviour, living at a designated address and disclosing developing case was considered in an oral hearing on 19 June which took place via a video link. At the hearing, the panel took evidence from Smith's probation officer, the official supervising his case in prison, and a prison 54, also gave evidence to the panel. In a statement, the Parole Board said: "After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody, the recommendations of witnesses and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public." Smith previously lost a bid to be released on parole in June the time, the Parole Board said there was a risk he would enter a new relationship and gain access to board said then it was in the public interest that he remained in prison.
