Tony Hudgell takes 26 families to visit Lapland this Christmas

The 11-year-old double amputee has raised £120,000 to take a group of children affected by abuse to visit Lapland over the festive period.

Tony Hudgell, of Kings Hill, Kent, lost both legs due to injury administered by his biological parents.

Tony said Christmas was a special time for him and after his first trip to Lapland two years ago he wanted other children to join in on Christmas. “Experience the magic of Lapland” and currently runs the Tony Hudgell Foundation, which supports abused children.

After the foundation launched the Lapland campaign, they took 26 families, 61 of whom were children, from all over the country “on a journey of a lifetime”.

Paula Hudgell, 58, Tony’s stepmother, said some children had harrowing experiences like Tony.

“It was incredible to see all the parents and children create such wonderful memories and they will last a lifetime.” he added.

“Tony was delighted that we were able to make this happen for everyone. We would also like to thank Canterbury Travels for organizing the trip,” he added.

Ms Hudgell said they received “hundreds of applications” when they launched the Lapland campaign.

Rich Stephenson-Evans, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he, his husband Simon and their son Leighton had made many friends during their “wonderful journey”.

Nine-year-old Leighton lives with some disabilities, he said.

“Leighton was abused at birth. This trip made a huge difference to him and he got really involved in all the activities,” she added.

Rich, who works as a senior support worker for a local authority, said entire families had joined in the search for Santa.

“The trip meant a lot to us. Leighton loved Lapland and enjoyed all the activities, including visiting Santa’s post office, Mrs. Claus’ house and seeing the reindeer,” he added.

Rich said he was grateful to the Tony Hudgell Foundation for the “wonderful opportunity.”

NHS worker Rachel, from Worthing, said it was a “beautiful and magical” experience for her six-year-old adopted son and thanked the trust for the opportunity.

“There were so many highlights. My son enjoyed watching the dog sled through the woods, he loved how fast they went!”

The 44-year-old man said the post-adoption social worker was the person who contacted the foundation and nominated them.

“I didn’t know that. I was so surprised when I found out I was chosen,” said Rachel.

“All the parents and children bonded. It was liberating to share personal experiences with families in similar situations.”

Shaun, from Surrey, said his husband Marios and his two adopted sons, aged five and four, had enjoyed “every moment of the trip” and made lots of friends.

Both of her sons were previously in foster care and experienced neglect, she said.

“We were covering the Tony Hudgell Foundation and it was great to meet Tony himself,” Shaun said.

“The trip meant everything to us. We need to spend quality time together as a family and we believe it is vital for children to have happy childhood memories.

“It was so nice for our sons to meet other adopted children so they know they are not alone.”

Shaun also thanked the foundation for their “unforgettable experience” in Lapland.