Double-amputee will soon not need crutches to walk

Tony Hudgell had both legs amputated after suffering abuse from his biological parents

A 10-year-old boy who had both legs amputated after being abused as a baby by his birth parents has been fitted for new prosthetics, which will enable him to walk without crutches.

Tony Hudgell, who lives in West Malling with his adoptive family, has been measured for new longer limbs.

The limbs, which Tony is to try out in the coming weeks, will have feet, allowing him to wear shoes and play his beloved football.

"I want some football boots," he said, adding that he wanted to "win a football cup in them".

Tony had an operation last year to prepare his lower limbs for the new prosthetics.

His adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, said the recovery process had been tricky for her "fireball" of a son.

"He's been so excited, he's worked hard," she said.

"Being in a wheelchair for a year has held him back a little bit, so he's worked really hard with the stubbies because he needed to in order to progress and get the longer legs."

Tony, a Chelsea supporter, is hoping to walk on to the pitch unaided as the team's mascot ahead of the club's Premier League match against Liverpool in May, wearing prosthetics decorated with a union jack theme.

Tony had casts made at Bowley Close Regional Specialist Rehabilitation Centre in Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, the community prosthetics and amputee services team at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London have been involved in Tony's care since he was a baby.

Its clinical lead, Amy Jones, described the 10-year-old as a "real character".

"He's a very strong powerful young man and very determined," she said.