Beckham sends message as Tony Hudgell completes O2 Arena climb

London — Tony Hudgell, the 10-year-old double-amputee whose fundraising through the Tony Hudgell Foundation has drawn national attention, completed his most ambitious challenge to date by climbing London's O2 Arena on his prosthetic legs. He finished in about 45 minutes, and he was greeted by a surprise message from David Beckham.

He was joined by former minister Ed Balls and former Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, along with his adoptive dad Mark, as Hudgell tackled the ascent. The climb raised more than £21,000 for a Magical Memories Christmas trip to Lapland for children and families affected by trauma, the foundation said.

Hudgell has raised almost £2 million for Evelina London Children's Hospital through the foundation, which he co-founded to support other children who have experienced abuse. The boy, who endured a brutal start to life, has earned the support of public figures and royals alike, including a past meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Beckham’s message appeared on Instagram, where he wrote: "Hi Tony what a moment, congratulations keep inspiring us all. Love David x." Paula Hudgell, Tony’s adoptive mother, later shared that Beckham’s congratulations left the boy "absolutely overjoyed."

The climb comes as Tony, who lost both legs to abusive injuries in infancy, continues to advocate for vulnerable children. He has described the O2 ascent as a challenging feat that requires sidestepping up the ramp and relying on his arms and upper body strength rather than crutches.

Tony's early life was marked by trauma: his biological parents, Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson, were jailed for ten years in 2018 for torturing him in 2014. They were released from prison earlier this month. Adopted in 2016 by Paula and Mark Hudgell, Tony has since become a high-profile fundraiser, earning the British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child abuse and drawing support from Prince William, Kate Middleton, and other celebrities.

The foundation has built on his early achievements: in 2020 he walked 10 kilometers in 30 days to raise funds for the hospital that saved his life, inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore; in 2021 the Tony Hudgell Foundation provided hundreds of Christmas presents and continued this work last Christmas. The ongoing efforts aim to support families affected by trauma as Tony looks forward to future challenges.