An eight-year-old amputee has realised his dream by conquering a Lake District peak – accompanied by his hero.
Tony Hudgell, who captured people’s hearts during the pandemic, has raised over £55,000 for charity thanks to his quest, Summits Up For Tony.
Orrest Head was chosen as the Lake District fell to conquer – and he achieved it on August 8, surrounded by family, friends, well-wishers and his hero, mountaineer Hari Buddha Magar, his hero.
Tony has wanted to climb a mountain since he was five years old. Lakeland guide Steve Watts got involved in the challenge and contacted local outdoor disability charity Bendrigg Trust for support to ensure the challenge was pitched just right for Tony.
Orrest Head was chosen because it was the first Lakeland fell Alfred Wainwright climbed in 1930 and the route to the summit has also been made accessible thanks to work by the Lake District National Park.
The climb, a triumphant representation of Tony’s personal journey and determination, was enhanced by the unexpected appearance of Hari, an accomplished mountaineer who overcame his own challenges to make history earlier this year when he became the first above-knee double amputee to summit Everest.
He surprised Tony just before the final summit push. Hari said: “You were so fast Tony, I couldn’t catch up with you!”
After hugs and photos, the pair finished the climb to the summit together.
This remarkable challenge garnered massive support from some of the world’s most renowned mountaineers, climbers, including Sir Chris Bonington, Ant and Dec, Aldo Kane, Ed Jackson, Alan Hinkes, Dr Ranj, and many more.
Sir Chris, who is also a patron of Bendrigg Trust one of the charities benefiting from the fundraiser, joined Tony on the walk and was inspired by his indominable spirit.
He said: “It’s one heck of an Everest that he is summitting and I think that he is such an impressive man. Now having met him and seeing him, I’m just so impressed. He’s courageous, he’s determined but he’s also full of fun, he always has a good smile on his face. What a fantastic young man.”
Centre director for Bendrigg, Nick Liley said: “For us it’s all about building confidence, self-esteem, resilience and showing people that people with disabilities can do far more than perhaps they thought and we as society think.
“Tony was really up for climbing a mountain. We were there on the day looking after the safety for the day and looking after Tony. There was a real amazing energy. He did some walking on his prosthetic legs, he then took his legs off and did some crawling particularly at the summit.
“I would say that if anyone has a physical impairment and is looking for a hill to climb, get up Orrest Head!”
Donations can still be made at https://bit.ly/TonyHudgell
Tony’s love of the Lake District and of fell walking has been ignited and he has now set his sights on conquering Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in England.
