I hope I can be as brave as Tony in my cancer battle
Mum inspired by amputee’s courage
THE adoptive mum of double amputee Tony Hudgell has told how his courage inspires her to fight bowel cancer.
Paula Hudgell, 53, who was diagnosed in February, said: “I’ve tried to remain positive and upbeat as I think a positive mental attitude is half the battle.
“Plus, Tony is so positive and such an inspiration about everything, so how can I complain?”
Tony, seven, had both legs amputated at the knee after sustaining horrific injuries inflicted by his birth parents when he was just six weeks old.
During lockdown, the Pride of Britain winner raised more than £1.6million for the Evelina London Children’s Hospital by walking 10km on his first pair of prosthetic legs.
Paula spoke out about her cancer battle as the tough child cruelty punishments she has been campaigning for finally became law. She has now vowed to focus on the fight for a register of child cruelty offenders. Paula
said: “Being diagnosed seems to have put even more of a fire in my belly.
“I’ve been fighting for Tony’s Law since my son’s evil abusers were jailed four years ago. I was horrified to learn those who caused or allowed a child to die didn’t face the same punishment as those convicted of murder, manslaughter or even grievous bodily harm with intent.
“Tony’s Law gives judges the power to hand down sentences that truly reflect the appalling nature of these crimes.”
Offenders convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child now face possible life imprisonment – up from 14 years.
Those guilty of child cruelty or causing or allowing serious harm to a child face up to 14 years in jail, up from 10 years – the sentence given to Tony’s birth parents.
The changes are part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which received Royal
Assent on Thursday. Mum-ofeight Paula, of West Malling, Kent, said: “The Government can go further with a national register to ensure offenders can be tracked in the same way as sex offenders.
“I may have my own personal health battle, but it won’t stop me doing all I possibly can.”
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