The Tony Hudgell Foundation is Thrilled to Launch its new Film, "Fighting Spirit"

Feb. 15, 2023

The Tony Hudgell Foundation is thrilled to launch its new film, "Fighting Spirit", documenting 8 year old Tony’s inspirational journey to turn a traumatic start in life into hope for hundreds of vulnerable children.

The film is being released following the success of the foundation’s recent Christmas Present Appeal, which provided hundreds of presents to less fortunate children, and is aimed at raising awareness of the foundation’s important work helping children who have been affected by physical, emotional and psychological abuse.

At only 41 days old, Tony suffered a multitude of injuries at the hands of his birth parents. As a result Tony required 8 blood transfusions and 23 operations, including a double amputation at the knees at age 3 In 2021 his adopted parents, Paula and Mark Hudgell set up the Tony Hudgell Foundation to enhance the lives of other child victims of abuse.

 

Foundation Co-Founder, Paula Hudgell said: 

"We’re over the moon to finally put this film out into the world. A lot of love from a lot of dedicated people has gone into making it, which is testa- ment to the affection that people have for Tony and how inspired they are by his story."

 

Fellow Co-Founder, Mark Hudgell said: 

“We really hope that this film will have a positive impact and enable us to help more children who have suffered abuse”.

 

Director Sam Huntley said:

“Working with Paula, Mark, and of course Tony, on this film has been such a rewarding experience. Spending any time with Tony is such a pleasure; his energy and tenacity are so infectious and I’m so happy to have been a part of making this film for such a great cause”.

 

The film’s launch coincides with the early release of Tony's birth mother from prison, halfway through her 10 year sentence. Despite this disappointing development, the Tony Hudgell Foundation is more determined than ever to do everything it can to tell Tony’s story, continue to build the foundation and help other children in need.