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Double-amputee Tony Hudgell from Kings Hill to undergo more surgery after abuse by biological parents

20:50, 04 August 2021

updated: 19:35, 05 August 2021

A brave young lad who was left fighting for his life after suffering horrific abuse at the hands of his evil biological parents will need to undergo more surgery due to his injuries.

Six-year-old Tony Hudgell, from Kings Hill, suffered several fractures that led to sepsis and toxic shock syndrome when he was just 41 days old.

We spoke to Paula Hudgell about the devastating news

The life-changing injuries resulted in both of his legs being amputated.

His monstrous biological parents Jody Simpson and Antony Smith were both sent to prison for 10 years in 2018.

Tony's adoptive mum, Paula Hudgell, posted on Instagram today about how her son will require more surgery.

"We found out today that the reason his jaw is small and causing concern was due to injury to his face meaning trauma across his face as well as the blunt trauma to his nose was inflicted and infection set in," she wrote.

"This means he will need plates in his jaw."

She told how her heart broke when she heard the devastating news.

Tony's monstrous biological parents Jody Simpson and Antony Smith were both sent to prison for 10 years in 2018. Picture: Paula Hudgell
Tony's monstrous biological parents Jody Simpson and Antony Smith were both sent to prison for 10 years in 2018. Picture: Paula Hudgell

"I have cried today again, tears of anger that our boy should not be enduring any of this, if it wasn't for those two animals," she added. "It seems there is no part of his tiny five-week-old body that they did not inflict spiteful long-life injuries to."

Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat campaigned alongside the youngster's family to introduce 'Tony's Law' in an effort to increase punishment for child abusers.

In May, he introduced an amendment to the government's Policing Bill which would give judges the discretion to impose life sentences in the very worst cases of child cruelty.

His cruel abusers were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, the maximum sentence available.

Mrs Hudgell added: "Everyday our beautiful boy endures the pain and suffering they subjected him too.

Tony and mum Paula Hudgell at home in Kings Hill. Picture: Sean Aidan
Tony and mum Paula Hudgell at home in Kings Hill. Picture: Sean Aidan

"Today I am so broken and angry but I won't show my beautiful beautiful boy that.

"I will smile and carry on just like he does. He is my hero every single day and whatever is thrown at him he just says 'ok let's do this' just like this picture of 8 bottles of blood tests being taken today.

"It's so wrong and our justice system must change for greater justice for all the baby Tony's out there.#TonysLaw"

Tony gained national fame during lockdown when, walking on prosthetic legs and inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, he raised more than £1million for a London children's hospital which saved his life as a baby.

His efforts saw him awarded the Prime Minister's Points of Light Award, a prize which recognises outstanding efforts made by individual volunteers.

The youngster also received words of encouragement from former PM David Cameron, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and footballers from his favourite team, Chelsea.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

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