Tony Hudgell’s adoptive mother opens up about her terminal cancer ordeal: ‘It hit me that I won’t be at his wedding’

Tony Hudgell’s stepmother has revealed doctors misdiagnosed him 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 mistreated by his biological parents that he had to amputate both of his legs.

The 58-year-old former nurse has campaigned tirelessly for tougher sentences for child abusers and successfully introduced Tony’s Law in 2022.

The new law increased the maximum sentence for people who cause or allow the death of a child from 14 years to life.

Devastatingly, Paula was diagnosed with bowel cancer three years ago and over the summer it was revealed the disease had spread to her lungs and was now incurable.

Speaking about the diagnosis, he said: Mirror: ‘It’s hard for all of us to wrap our heads around, but I’m trying to prepare them as much as possible.

‘Last week, when Tony and I were walking to school, he turned up the radio because it was playing a love song he liked. He said he would do it at his wedding.

‘It suddenly occurred to me that I wouldn’t be at his wedding. ‘I shed tears over it but it hurts so much I won’t get to see him grow up or get married.’

Paula hugs her adopted son Tony, now ten years old, at the park on August 11, 2018.

Paula, who was awarded the OBE in 2022, said she visited her GP 14 times before being diagnosed with cancer and was ‘turned away’ many times.

Doctors told him that his bouts of diarrhea and constipation were most likely IBS, and he was sent home.

Paula said she lived with these symptoms for four years before requesting a bowel cancer test.

After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Paula was told she was cancer free.

But in July, he announced on social media that the disease had returned and spread to one of his lungs.

“It’s been a really tough few weeks,” she wrote in an emotional Instagram post.

‘I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022 – and after experiencing the best feeling I’ve had in years, I’m now faced with the heartbreaking news that it’s back, and this time it’s in my lung too.

‘Stage 4. It was a huge shock and it took us a while to understand it.’

He shares a photo on Instagram showing the scar left when a portakath was placed on his skin. [a medical device used to administer treatments]He continued: ‘I will start aggressive chemotherapy in ten days.

Paula used her Instagram account to post the above statement about her recent diagnosis in July.

Paula (pictured with Tony this morning 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 will bring, but I’m ready to give it the biggest fight of my life.’

Tony was just six weeks old when he suffered multiple fractures, sepsis, organ failure, and eventually had to have both legs amputated.

But despite a traumatic start to life, Tony has grown into a cheerful and determined young boy under Paula’s care; He learned to walk on prosthetic legs and even won the Pride of Britain award.

He won the admiration of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who publicly praised him for his courage and endurance.

Tony has also met Prince Harry, along with a host of other celebrities. He was named as an inspiration by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022.

Despite the attention, Paula previously said of Tony: ‘To be honest, he takes it all in his stride. He’s really great.

‘He is a very humane person. ‘He can grab a room full of people and talk to them all.’

Although Paula is currently facing her own health struggle, she 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 were incredible and it means the world,” he added.

Tony with Paula and her father Mark on a fundraising walk in West Malling Kent when he was five

‘As for Tony and everything @tonyhudgellfoundation stands for; nothing ends. Trips to Lapland for the children and their families will continue and I will always be Tony’s biggest supporter, for now I will take the backseat, leaving the reins to others.’

Paula’s message ended with a stern but heartfelt plea: ‘This monster may be back, but I’m not going anywhere without a fight.

‘And please… check your poop. ‘Early diagnosis saves lives.’

Supporters flooded her post with comments; These included ITV’s Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins, who wrote: ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that; I’m sending you lots of love and a big hug. ‘Keep fighting.’