Double amputee Tony Hugdell, aged just 8 years old, reached the summit of Orrest Head on the 8th August.
Tony, whose legs had to be amputated following abuse by his birth parents, showed huge courage and determination in completing the climb. He was joined by mountaineer, Sir Chris Bonington, who had supported and advised him on his challenge, and there was a wonderful surprise for Tony when he was joined at the peak by double amputee, former Gurkha Hari Budha Magar. Hari was the first double amputee to climb Everest, a challenge he completed in May. A link below this post will take you to his story.
Tony had already been undertaking walks to raise money for charity and said that the walks had left him wanting to climb a mountain. Cumbrian guide Steve Watts was able to make the wish a reality choosing Orrest Head because it was the first fell climbed by Alfred Wainwright.
Talk about endeavour, willpower. For an eight-year-old? Follow that. Steve Watts
Mr Watts went on to wonder how many more people Tony and Hari could inspire saying that it’s not just about the money raised but the legacy.
Tony is no stranger to fundraising having received the Pride of Britain and Points of Light awards for raising more than £1.7m for charity during the pandemic. This latest challenge went well beyond raising his goal of £500 and the amount, over £19,000 at the completion of his climb has now well exceeded that figure. The funds will be distributed to the Tony Hudgell Foundations, Crohn’s & Colitis UK, the Bendrigg Trust and The Lake District Foundation.
It’s not too late to add your donation to Tony’s fundraising efforts. You can follow the link below to the Tony Hugdell JustGiving Page.
You can read the full story as reported on BBC News via the link below and join us in congratulating Tony on his extraordinary achievement. What an absolute star! I don’t think for a moment that this is the last we’ll be hearing about him…
Thank you, Tony, and also Hari, for your inspiration to all.
(From BBC News 8th August 2023)
Links (will open in new tabs):
- BBC News Report: Double amputee boy, 8, reaches fell summit
- Hari Budha Magar made history by becoming the first double amputee to summit Everest in May this year
- Tony Hugdell Foundation – Add positivity. Spread kindness. Change lives.
- Tony Hugdell Foundation JustGiving Page
- Sir Chris Bonington and others support Tony’s climb