BBC Breakfast star Naga Munchetty said she was “in awe” of one of her guests who is battling cancer.
Thursday’s show (March 10) saw presenter Naga join co-star Charlie Stayt on the red sofa to deliver the latest news to viewers at home – from Ukraine updates to country music titan Dolly Parton’s new stint on CBeebies bedtime stories.
However, Naga took a moment out of her show to pay a powerful tribute to an inspiring guest on the show – charity worker Paula Hudgell, who is the foster mum of Tony Hudgell.
Adopted mother Paula took Tony in after he was taken to hospital with nightmare injuries, which included fractures and organ failures, caused by his biological parents.
The young child was forced to go in for 23 operations and eight blood transfusions amid his life-threatening injuries – and lost both of his legs.
(Image: BBC)
Paula appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about Tony and her recent parliamentary victory – securing the support of Justice Secretary Dominic Raab for her child cruelty register, which would help protect children from neglect and abuse.
It comes following Paula’s grueling four-year-long campaign in a bid to protect children.
However, Naga also wanted to tell Paula how inspiring she was – after asking her about her recent bowel cancer diagnosis.
Naga said: “Paula, we’ve met. We’ve seen you here on this programme many times, you’re a friend of the programme. We’ve met Tony as well, who’s an absolute charmer. I hope he’s well.
(Image: BBC)
“I want to ask about you as well. Your energy is emphaticable, and I know, and I hope you don’t mind us sharing this information. We have spoken about this and made sure it’s okay.”
Naga went on: “You’ve had a significant diagnosis. I am always in awe of people who manage to campaign for something so important whilst so much is going on in their own lives. How are you?”
Updating viewers on her treatment, Paula said: “Yeah, I’m okay. Last month I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, which was a huge shock to us, I have to say. It’s thrown everything in turmoil.
(Image: Tim Merry / Daily Mirror)
“Not fear for myself but the biggest fear was for my children. I’m due to have surgery tomorrow, and then have chemotherapy going forward.”
Paula shares seven children with her husband Mark, including Ben, Ryan, Chloe, Kyle, Jess, Jaden and Lacey, as well as Tony who they adopted.
She added: “I’m positive. Tony’s energy, his positivity just oozes out of him, and I lap it up, and the campaign for the child cruelty register will still happen. It’s actually keeping me going!”
Naga replied: “Well, you say it as if it’s just another thing. It’s important, and I know it’s been playing on your mind and your family’s. All the best with the surgery tomorrow and the recovery, and we will speak again soon.”
To donate to the Tony Hudgell Foundation or find out more, visit the charity’s website here.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
