Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have given a beautiful video message to a five-year-old lad who raised a whopping £1 million for the NHS in thanks for saving his life.
Tony Hudgell fought for his life at 40 days old when his birth parents abused him so horrifically he needed both his lower legs amputated and suffered from bone fractures, multiple organ failure and sepsis.
He has since been adopted by his foster parents after first coming to live with them at four months old when he was discharged from hospital.
Tony loves Ant and Dec and was overwhelmed when the pair recognised his staggering fundraising achievement and called him a “hero”.
Ant and Dec left a lovely message for brave Tony Hudgell (Image: Twitter / Pride of Britain)
In the heartwarming clip, his mum said she has “something special” to show him and handed over a phone.
When Tony spotted Ant and Dec on the screen, he thumped his legs in excitement.
“I love Ant and Dec!” he exclaimed.
In the TV duo’s personal video message to him, Ant said: “Hi Tony! Ant and Dec here, we just wanted to send you a message to say what an amazing thing it is you’re doing.”
Tony Hudgell has raised more than £1 million for the NHS (Image: Twitter / Pride of Britain)
Dec added: “Oh, absolutely amazing. You are a hero. Listen, thank you so much, keep up the good work and we’re sending you lots and lots of love. Thanks, Tony!”
The brave youngster was inspired by Captain Tom Moore and decided to walk every day with his new prosthetic legs to raise funds for Evelina London Children’s Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
Paula, 52, and Mark, 55, who adopted Tony, said that the youngster has been getting better and better at using his prosthetics after first getting them earlier this year.
Today’s top showbiz stories
![]()
Paddy’s wife penis overshare
![]()
Demi Rose gets racy
![]()
Aisleyne cancer scare
![]()
Piers blasted by Gaga fans
He set the challenge to walk 10km by walking every day in June, with the aim of raising £500.
Amazingly, Tony managed to reach 10km four days early and raised more than £1 million – receiving backing from Prince William, Kate Middleton and other famous faces.
Paula said: “The community have been coming out and cheering him on.
“It’s been so lucky for us to be able to give back to the hospital who saved his life.
“This will help so many children.”
“The improvement we’ve seen over the last month has been fantastic,” Mark added.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
