Kate Middleton’s ‘best friend’ Tony Hudgell receives supportive message from David Beckham as double amputee takes on his biggest challenge yet

Double amputee Tony Hudgell has completed his most ambitious fundraising challenge to date – and was even left delighted by a surprise message from none other than David Beckham. 

The ten-year-old boy, who lost both legs to horrific abuse by his birth parents, has raised more than £2million for charity through the Tony Hudgell Foundation – and is even friends with the Prince and Princess of Wales. 

Despite suffering such unspeakable abuse in the earliest days of his life, little Tony, who is from Kent, has grown up to be a determined fundraiser. 

On Tuesday, he was joined by Ed Balls, former Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, and his adoptive dad Mark to climb up London’s O2 Arena on his prosthetic legs. 

He managed to complete the climb in just 45 minutes, raising more than £21,000 for a Magical Memories Christmas trip to Lapland for children and families affected by trauma. 

After Tony’s adoptive mother, Paula, shared a video of his inspiring climb, the young boy was overjoyed to receive a personal message from his sporting hero, David Beckham. 

Commenting on Instagram, David wrote: ‘Hi Tony what a moment, congratulations keep inspiring us all. Love David x.’ 

Paula wrote on Twitter: ‘When the one and only @davidbeckham congratulates you on your incredible and brave O2 climb… Tony was absolutely overjoyed!

‘He’s been watching, supporting, and cheering Tony on every step of the way. Truly an unforgettable moment.’

Tony himself visited Lapland two years ago, and described it as ‘the most magical place in the world’.  

Appearing on Good Morning Britain before the climb, his mother Paula explained why climbing the O2 – a height equivalent to 12 double-decker buses – would be such a challenge for Tony. 

‘I am a little bit nervous because I know how much of a challenge this is for Tony,’ she said.

‘He can’t walk up it like a normal person can, he’s got to sidestep and hold on tight to the rope, and pull him up physically with his hands because he won’t have his crutches as well. It’s a real physical challenge for him.’ 

His father Mark added: ‘Tony struggles mentally and physically with the consequences of what happened to him but he’s so determined and looks forward to the next challenge.’

Tony himself admitted he was ‘very excited’ but also a ‘touch bit scared’.  

Brave Tony, who co-founded the Tony Hudgell Foundation, became the youngest-ever recipient of a New Year Honour when he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the prevention of child abuse. 

He had both legs amputated as a baby due to horrific injuries inflicted by his abusive birth parents, who were jailed for ten years in 2018. They were freed from prison earlier this month. 

He was adopted by Paula and Mark Hudgell and has since raised almost £2million for the Evelina Children’s Hospital through a series of gruelling physical challenges, despite undergoing continuing medical treatment. 

After his climb, the Tony Hudgell Foundation page wrote: ‘He absolutely bossed the climb in just 45 minutes – an unbelievable achievement, especially as so many fully able-bodied people found it tough!

‘We were blessed with perfect weather (even if it was a little chilly) and the day was filled with fun, laughter, and amazing memories. 

‘Most importantly, precious pennies were raised to help take deserving families from backgrounds of abuse on a magical trip to Lapland – creating memories that will last a lifetime.’

Tony’s biological parents, Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson were each jailed for ten years in 2018 for the torture they inflicted on their 41-day-old son in 2014, leaving him with injuries including broken fingers and toes and torn ligaments.

Despite their sick crimes and 10 year sentences, both of Smith and Simpson have now been released from jail early.

Despite suffering such unspeakable abuse in the earliest days of his life, little Tony has grown up to be a kind and determined boy who has raised around £2 million for charity by walking great distances on his crutches.

Tony has previously been hailed a hero by Prince William and wife Kate over his extraordinary fundraising walks to help vulnerable children.

He set out to raise £500 for the hospital that saved his life by walking 10km in 30 days in 2020 after being inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised more than £33million walking in his backyard.

In 2021, a foundation set up in his name to enhance the lives of children who have been affected by physical, emotional, or psychological abuse provided more than 700 Christmas presents for youngsters in need, and it continued the tradition last Christmas too.

The nine-year-old’s phenomenal fundraising achievements come despite an incredibly tough start to life which led to him undergoing 23 operations and eight blood transfusions.

The horrific abuse he was subject to by his birth parents caused serious injuries – and the infant also developed sepsis because Smith and Simpson waited 10 days before taking him to hospital.

His fortunes turned around after his life was saved by specialists at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, of which the Princess of Wales is an official patron.

Then, in 2016, he finally found a loving home with Paula and Mark, who have campaigned tirelessly in Tony’s interests since welcoming him into the family – including a bid for Tony’s Law, which introduced tougher sentences for child cruelty.

They have also encouraged his fundraising efforts to help other children – which have seen him rub shoulders with very famous figures.

After completing his big walk, Tony met the Prince and Princess of Wales who ‘spent ages’ chatting with the youngster when the couple attended Together At Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey in 2023. 

He has also met Prince Harry along with a string of celebrities and earlier this year he was singled out for his inspiration by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

He was even hosted by Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace last year, after missing out on one of the traditional garden parties due to traffic.  

Despite the attention, Paula has said of Tony: ‘He takes all of it in his stride, so to speak. He is just amazing.

‘He’s very much a people person. He can encapture a room of people and will talk to them all.’

You can donate to Tony’s fundraiser here.