Hundreds of people have showed their support to the "strong" mother of double-amputee Tony Hudgell after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Paula Hudgell, from Kings Hill, revealed the heart-breaking news yesterday, explaining the past couple of weeks have been her "most challenging".

She told her followers: "I am sorry I haven't been updating Tony's page but the last couple of weeks have been the most challenging yet, emotionally and physically.

"Hearing those words is not fear for myself but fear for all my babies.

"I will fight this head on just like Tony always has all his life."

Paula Hudgell and her husband Mark took Tony in after he suffered horrific abuse at the hands of his evil biological parents.

Since then she and Tony, now 7, have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of child cruelty and campaigned for longer sentences.

Alongside her tweet Paula posted a picture of a Lance Armstrong quote, which read: "I thought I knew what fear was, until I heard the words 'you have cancer'."

Hundreds of people have sent her messages of support following the upsetting news.

Jill Houlbrook said: "Oh my goodness, please know you have many people by your side."

While Michelle Duncan commented: "So Sorry to read this Paula. You will have the strength and positivity to get through this."

Jill Garland added: "Oh Paula, I am sending you huge love & hugs. Look how strong you have been for Tony. You can beat this."

Earlier this month Paula said she was "angered and frustrated" to hear Tony's biological mum Jody Simpson has applied for day release.

The monster mum, now in her 20s, and her evil partner Anthony Smith were each given a 10 year prison sentence for their systematic abuse of defenceless Tony who was only six weeks old when they hurt him.