“I NEVER THOUGHT THIS DAY WOULD COME…” — Tony Hudgell’s adoptive mother Shares a HEARTBREAKING Update on Her Health After 14 Misdiagnoses Left Her Facing Terminal CANCER
Tony Hudgell’s adoptive mother has revealed doctors misdiagnosed her 14 times – as she opened up about her terminal cancer diagnosis and the heartbreak of not being able to see her son grow up.
Paula Hudgell created a safe and happy home for Tony, now 10, after he was so badly abused by his birth parents that he had to have both his legs amputated.
The 58-year-old former nurse has tirelessly campaigned for tougher sentences for child abusers and successfully brought in Tony’s Law in 2022.
The new piece of legislation increased the maximum sentence for anyone who causes or allows the death of a child death from 14 years to life.
Devastatingly, Paula was diagnosed with bowel cancer three years ago and in the summer revealed that the disease had spread to her lungs and is now incurable.
Speaking about her diagnosis, she told the Mirror: ‘It’s hard for all of us to get our heads around, but I’m trying to prepare them as much as possible.
‘I was on the school run with Tony last week and he turned the radio up, because there was a love song playing that he liked. He told me he was going to have it at his wedding.
‘It suddenly hit me that I won’t be at his wedding. I had my tears from him but it hurts so much that I won’t see him grow up or get married.’
Paula Hudgell created a safe and happy home for Tony, now 10, after he was so badly abused by his birth parents that he had to have both his legs amputated
Paula hugging her adopted son, Tony, now ten, in a park on August 11, 2018
Paula, who was awarded an OBE in 2022, said she saw her GP 14 times before she received a cancer diagnosis, saying she was repeatedly ‘fobbed off’.
She was told by doctors that her bouts of diarrhoea and constipation were most likely IBS and was sent home.
Paula said she lived with her symptoms for four years before she demanded a test for bowel cancer.
And after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Paula was told she was cancer free.
But in July, she revealed on social media that the disease had returned and spread to one of her lungs.
‘It’s been a really tough few weeks,’ she penned in an emotional Instagram post.
‘In 2022, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer – and after feeling the best I have in years, I’ve now been hit with the heartbreaking news that it’s returned, and this time it’s also in my lung.
‘Stage 4. It’s been a huge shock, and it’s taken some time for us to get our heads around it.’
Sharing a photo on Instagram showing the marking on her skin from a portacath being fitted [a medical device used to administer treatments], she continued: ‘In ten days, I’ll start aggressive chemo.
Paula took to her Instagram to release the above statement in July regarding her recent diagnosis
Paula (pictured on this morning with Tony in 2025) has vowed to take on the ‘biggest fight of her life’ as she prepares to undergo aggressive chemotherapy treatment
‘We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’m ready to give this the biggest fight of my life.’
Tony was just six weeks old when he suffered multiple fractures, sepsis, organ failure and ultimately had to have both legs amputated.
But despite his traumatic start in life, Tony has grown into a cheerful and determined young boy under Paula’s care – learning to walk on prosthetic legs and even winning a Pride of Britain award.
He has gained the admiration of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who have publicly praised him for his bravery and resilience.
Tony has also met Prince Harry along with a string of celebrities. In 2022, he was singled out for his inspiration by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Despite the attention, Paula previously said of Tony: ‘He takes all of it in his stride, so to speak. He is just amazing.
‘He’s very much a people person. He can capture a room of people and will talk to them all.’
Though she now faces her own health battle, Paula made it clear that the work she and Tony have done together will continue.
‘To our amazing friends and family: thank you for your love, support, and strength – you’ve been incredible, and it means the world,’ she added.
Tony, with Paula and father Mark on a fundraising walk in West Malling Kent at the age of five
‘As for Tony and everything the @tonyhudgellfoundation stands for – nothing stops. The Lapland trips for the kids and their families will still go ahead, and I’ll always be Tony’s biggest supporter, just from the backseat for now, letting others take the reins.’
Paula’s message ended with a stark but heartfelt plea: ‘This beast may have returned, but I’m not going anywhere without a fight.
‘And please – check your poo. Early detection saves lives.’
Supporters flooded her post with comments, including ITV’s Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins, who wrote: ‘Oh no, I’m so very sorry to hear this – sending you so much love & a huge hug. Keep fighting.’
