11-year-old abuse survivor raises £120,000 to take families to Lapland

An 11-year-old boy who lost both legs after abuse has helped raise about £120,000 to take a group of children affected by abuse to Lapland for Christmas. Tony Hudgell, from Kings Hill, Kent, lost his legs after injuries inflicted by his birth parents. He launched the Lapland campaign through the Tony Hudgell Foundation, a charity he runs with his adoptive family to support abused children, and the effort has funded a trip for 26 families, including 61 children, to experience the festive destination.

The foundation said it received hundreds of applications when it launched the campaign, and after months of fundraising the group traveled to Lapland over the holidays. Tony had his first Lapland trip two years ago and decided to pay the experience forward so other children could see the “magic of Lapland.” The expedition was organized with Canterbury Travels. The campaign also included visits to Santa’s post office, Mrs. Claus’ house and encounters with reindeer.

“Seeing parents and children create such wonderful memories will last a lifetime,” Paula Hudgell, Tony’s adoptive mother, said. “It was incredible to see the families bonding and sharing such transformative moments.” She noted that many of the children had endured harrowing experiences, and the trip helped them connect with others who understand their journeys. The campaign was supported by Canterbury Travels, which helped coordinate travel and activities for the groups and volunteers who facilitated the experience.

Rich Stephenson-Evans, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent with his husband, Simon, and their son Leighton, said the trip had a profound impact. Leighton, nine, has some disabilities and was abused at birth. “Leighton loved Lapland and enjoyed all the activities, especially dog sledding,” Rich said. He added that the family made lifelong friends and that the trip allowed their son to participate in activities he might not have otherwise had access to. Rich works as a veteran support officer for a local authority and thanked the Tony Hudgell Foundation for the opportunity.

Nominated by her post-adoption social worker, NHS worker Rachel from Worthing joined the trip with her six-year-old adopted son. “There were so many highlights, including dog sledding through the forest and watching his smile light up during the rides,” she said. She described the experience as magical and said the families formed strong bonds as they shared their stories.

Shaun, from Surrey, spent time on the trip with his husband Marios and their two adopted sons, aged five and four. Both boys had previously been in foster care and had faced neglect. Shaun said the trip offered a sense of belonging and a chance to create happy childhood memories. “It was lovely for our sons to meet other children who were also adopted, so they know they are not alone,” he said. He added that meeting Tony himself was a highlight and that the experience would be remembered by the families for years.

The Tony Hudgell Foundation says the Lapland trip reflects its broader mission to support abused children and families through moments of joy and connection. The foundation said Lapland was chosen for its festive atmosphere and the opportunity for children who have faced trauma to experience normal childhood moments together. Organizers noted that the campaign’s reach and impact grew through donations, volunteers and corporate support, enabling families from across the country to participate.

The holiday initiative comes at a time when charitable giving often rises during December, but organizers say the impact extends beyond a single trip. By bringing together adopted and foster families who have faced similar challenges, the campaign aims to foster peer networks and provide a sense of community that can endure beyond the trip itself. Tony Hudgell, who has become a national symbol for resilience, continues to lead the foundation’s work with input from his family and supporters who share his commitment to helping abused children access meaningful, joyful experiences.

The Lapland campaign has drawn attention to the broader needs of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, highlighting the role of adoptive and foster families in providing stability and opportunities for growth. Advocates say initiatives like this can help children build self-esteem, form healthy attachments, and create memories that counterbalance traumatic experiences. As Tony and his family look toward future fundraising efforts, supporters emphasize that the goal is not just a one-time trip, but a sustained effort to improve the daily lives of children who have endured difficult beginnings.