On Tuesday, 8 August, eight-year-old Tony Hudgell will be aiming to climb his first Lake District fell, ORREST HEAD, and raise money for four charities in his Everest-inspired ‘Summit’s Up For Tony’ challenge. Tony lost both of his legs by amputation following life-changing injuries inflicted by his birth parents when he was a baby.
Orrest Head was the first fell that Lakeland legend ALFRED WAINWRIGHT summitted on his very first visit to the Lake District in 1930 so it is fitting tit will also be Tony’s first. Wainwright said, “Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life. It was a moment of magic, a revelation so unexpected that I stood transfixed, unable to believe my eyes.”
Adopted by Mark and Paula Hudgell, Tony captured the hearts of millions worldwide at the age of just five with his efforts to walk ten kilometres on his prosthetic legs, raising an amazing £1.3m for the EVELINA LONDON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL which saved his life and supported him through his journey.
Sir Chris Bonington, a patron of the Bendrigg Trust and an ambassador for Berghaus, which has an ongoing mission to make the outdoors more accessible for everyone, has offered to join Tony on Orrest Head.
Tony’s latest challenge involves scaling his first Lakeland Fell, Orrest Head, symbolic of his own climb over adversity. As he makes his way to the summit, Tony aims to raise significant money for four charities: the TONY HUDGELL FOUNDATION, outdoor adventure charity BENDRIGG TRUST, CROHN’S & COLITIS UK and the LAKE DISTRICT FOUNDATION.
The campaign invites individuals, corporations, and philanthropic organisations to rally behind Tony’s mission and donate generously. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. To donate and be a part of this life-changing journey, visit https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/gotonygo.
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