A five-year-old boy, Tony Hudgell, walked around the local park with his new prosthetic legs and raised over $1M. He gave the money to the National Health Service Hospital to thank them for saving his life when he was a baby.
Inspired by 100-year-old WWII veteran
Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old WWII veteran who raised money to fight COVID-19, inspired Hudgell. He became famous recently for raising $40 million to help the British hospitals by doing 100 laps at the back of his garden.
Raising more than the target
The little boy initially targeted to raise only £500 ($550), but thousands of generous people donated money after hearing about his inspiring laps. He donated the money he raised to London Evelina Hospital.
Until the end of June, he hobbled a total of six miles. Donations poured in, where he got $100,000 for every kilometer he walked. The boy with the new limbs became more proficient with every kilometer he walked.
Improving with every mile
When Hudgell started walking, he used one hour to walk a fifth of a mile (300 meters). Soon, he was able to walk the same distance for only 12 minutes. Hudgell's mom, Paula Hudgell, said in an interview with 5 News that they are so proud of their strong and incredible boy for his determination. She explained that the boy could barely make a few steps just a few weeks ago.
She said that their son is so happy to have raised so much money. They feel wonderful that they are able to give back to the special place. Evelina London Hospital is like Hudgell's second home, and its staff is like a family.
The five-year-old boy ended up in the hospital as a newborn due to child abuse from his biological parents. Thankfully, his adoptive parents showered him with love. The doctors did their best to save his leg but to no avail, but they did save his life.
Celebrities praised the boy's efforts
British celebrities praised Hudgell's efforts. Some of them were former Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and soccer stars like Cesar Azpilicueta.
We are so proud of the incredible courage and determination shown by Tony Hudgell, who is walking 10km to raise funds for @EvelinaLondon, of which The Duchess of Cambridge is Patron — #GoTonyGo!https://t.co/X5lU9FMBmz pic.twitter.com/Sc9Jl2BgqD — The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 24, 2020
Still, the most thrilling message came from Captain Moore himself. He stated in the video congratulating Hudgell for a job well done.
Apart from being grateful for the support, the Evelina Children's Hospital staff were amazed by the boy's medical progress.
Associate Director of Fundraising, Caroline Gormley, said that Hudgell had made everyone at the hospital so proud. She added that the little boy's strength and the generosity of the people who donated would make a big difference.
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