Boy, 10, climbs O2 to help children visit Lapland

Tony Hudgell climbed the O2 on Tuesday as part of his efforts to raise £100,000 so children, who have been through hard times, can visit Lapland for Christmas this year

A 10-year-old double amputee has climbed the O2 Arena in a bid to raise £100,000 for children affected by abuse to visit Lapland this Christmas.

Tony Hudgell, from Kings Hill, in Kent, lost both legs due to injuries inflicted by his birth parents, who were jailed in 2018.

He now runs the Tony Hudgell Foundation, which supports children who have experienced physical, emotional or psychological abuse.

Tony, who visited Lapland two years ago, described it as the "most magical place in the world" and wants to "share this magic with other kids".

To help achieve his campaign, Tony undertook a mammoth mission by successfully climbing the O2 stadium on Tuesday.

His adopted mother, Paula Hudgell, said Tony had trained several months in preparation.

"When Tony started climbing the O2, he was struggling in the first few steps," she added.

"Because he has so much courage and determination to raise money so other children can visit Lapland, he carried on fearlessly."

Ms Hudgell said Tony completed the climb in 45 minutes.

Tony's mother says he showed a lot of courage and determination during his O2 climb

She added Christmas was Tony's favourite time of the year and hopes other children, who suffered like he did, can have a nice Christmas.

Ms Hudgell said Tony was not expected to survive his first Christmas - he underwent an operation on Christmas Day 2014.

But because of Tony's grit and determination, she said, he turned a corner.

"Tony hopes the Lapland trip will create happy memories for children who have been through a lot," Ms Hudgell said.

"More support needs to be given to children who suffered abuse. We hope they can enjoy a trip of lifetime with their families."

Ms Hudgell said since the Lapland campaign was launched, they have received "hundreds of applications".

She said 26 families, which includes 61 children in total, were selected for the trip which takes place from 8 to 11 December.

Tony was inspired to fundraise after seeing Captain Sir Tom Moore raising money for the NHS during the pandemic.

In 2020, he walked 10km (6.2 miles) unaided to raise funds for The Evelina London Children's Hospital.

He received a receive a British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child abuse.