A little boy who lost both his legs because of appalling abuse at the hands of his natural parents has received an “extraordinary surprise” gift from David Beckham.
The former England footballer sent a signed Inter Miami shirt to Tony Hudgell, from West Malling, to cheer him up after a tough week.
The 10-year-old was just 41 days old when he suffered appalling abuse at the hands of his birth parents that left him with life-changing limb fractures, multiple organ failure and sepsis. He is now a double amputee.
Tony lives with his adoptive parents, Paula and Mark Hudgell.
This week they learnt the disturbing news that Tony’s birth mother, Jody Simpson, is to be released from jail after a parole board ruled her imprisonment was “no longer necessary for the protection of the public”.
Posting on Facebook, Paula Hudgell said: “This is a result of the ongoing chaos within the prison system.
“She remains a serious risk to children, yet after serving just two years on licence, she will be legally free to live as she chooses. This includes being around children—and even having another child!”
But the arrival of the gift from Beckham has returned smiles to everyone’s faces.
Mrs Hudgell said: “After a challenging week, Tony received an extraordinary surprise that lifted our spirits—a personally signed Inter Miami shirt from none other than David Beckham himself!
“To also learn that David and the entire Beckham family have been quietly following Tony’s journey adds a deeply touching layer to this gesture and shows how big his heart is.
“As a longtime admirer of David Beckham, this moment is profoundly special for me as well.
“His impending knighthood, recognizing his illustrious football career and unwavering charitable efforts, and is a testament to his dedication both on and off the pitch.
“Big love to all the Beckhams!”
Simpson was jailed along with her partner, Tony Smith, in 2018, after abusing Tony at their flat in Maidstone.
With his new family, Tony has won the hearts of the nation and raised more than £1.9 million for good causes, for which he has been given the British Citizen Award.
Simpson, 31, was first released in February 2023. However, she was then recalled to prison after breaching her licence conditions amid reports she had been having a relationship with a convicted sex offender.
Simpson’s partner, Smith, was denied parole in 2023, but he is shortly due to have another hearing.
The Hudgell family had long campaigned for a change in the law surrounding the sentencing of abusers and in 2022, Tony’s Law came into force.
The new legislation means that anyone who causes or allows the death of a child or vulnerable adult in their household can now be given up to life in prison – increased from the previous 14-year maximum.
It was recently leaked that David Beckham is expected to be given a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Beckham, who played for his country 115 times, has also carried out extensive charity work and is a Unicef goodwill ambassador.
He is president and co-owner of the American Inter Miami club.
The 50-year-old is married to former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, who will become Lady Beckham.
He retired from football in 2013.
