In the heart of December 2025, while many families gathered at home for the festive season, a remarkable journey unfolded for dozens of children and their families—one that began with the determination of an 11-year-old boy from Kent. Tony Hudgell, who lost both legs as a result of severe abuse by his birth parents, transformed his own pain into hope for others by raising £120,000 to take 26 families, including 61 children affected by abuse, on an unforgettable trip to Lapland.
According to BBC News, Tony, who now lives in Kings Hill with his adoptive family, was inspired by his own visit to Lapland two years prior. That experience, which he described as magical, sparked a desire to share the magic with other children who had suffered trauma. "I wanted other children to experience the magic of Lapland as well," Tony said, a sentiment that would become the rallying cry for the Tony Hudgell Foundation’s Lapland campaign.
The Tony Hudgell Foundation, which Tony runs with the support of his family, is dedicated to supporting children who have experienced abuse. When the foundation announced its Lapland campaign, the response was overwhelming. Paula Hudgell, Tony’s 58-year-old adoptive mother, noted, "We had received hundreds of applications when we launched our Lapland campaign." The need for joy and healing among these families was palpable.
With the help of Canterbury Travels, the foundation was able to organize what many described as a "trip of a lifetime." The journey brought together families from across the country, each with their own stories of hardship and resilience. Paula Hudgell reflected on the impact, saying, "It was incredible to see all parents and children creating such wonderful memories, and they will last a lifetime." She added, "Tony was so pleased we were able to make this happen for everyone. We also want to thank Canterbury Travels for organising the trip."
For many of the children, the trip to Lapland was more than just a holiday. It was a chance to reclaim a sense of wonder and belonging. The itinerary was packed with enchanting activities: searching for Santa, visiting Santa’s post office, exploring Mrs Claus’ house, and marveling at reindeer. These moments, filled with laughter and excitement, became a balm for wounds that ran deep.
Rich Stephenson-Evans, a veteran support officer from Stoke-on-Trent, attended the trip with his husband Simon and their nine-year-old son Leighton. Leighton, who lives with disabilities and was abused at birth, found the adventure transformative. "Leighton was abused at birth. This trip has made a massive difference for him and he was really engaged in all the activities," Rich told the BBC. The family bonded with others on the trip, sharing experiences and forming new friendships. "The trip meant so much to us. Leighton loved Lapland and enjoyed all the activities like visiting Santa’s post office, Mrs Claus’ house and seeing the reindeer," Rich added. "We are grateful for the Tony Hudgell Foundation for the wonderful opportunity."
Rachel, an NHS worker from Worthing, accompanied her six-year-old adopted son, who relished the thrill of dog sledding through snow-laden forests. "It was a beautiful and magical experience for my son," Rachel said, her gratitude clear. She explained that it was her post-adoption social worker who nominated them for the trip, a surprise that brought immense joy. "When I found out I was selected I was so surprised," she said. For Rachel, the greatest gift was the sense of community. "All the parents and children bonded. It was liberating to share personal experiences with families who are in a similar situation."
The sense of connection and understanding was echoed by Shaun from Surrey, who traveled to Lapland with his husband Marios and their two adopted sons, aged five and four. Both boys had previously been in foster care and suffered neglect. Shaun described the trip as transformative: "We have been following the Tony Hudgell Foundation, and it was amazing to meet Tony himself. The trip meant everything to us. We got to spend quality time together as a family and we believe it’s vital for children to have 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 thanked the foundation for the "unforgettable experience" in Lapland.
At the center of this story is the resilience and compassion of Tony Hudgell. Despite the trauma he endured in early childhood, Tony’s efforts have brought joy and healing to many. His foundation’s work, particularly the Lapland campaign, has not only provided moments of happiness but has also fostered a sense of solidarity among families navigating the aftermath of abuse. The trip, which took place around Christmas, was a timely reminder of the power of kindness and the importance of creating positive memories for children who have experienced hardship.
For the families involved, the trip offered more than just a respite from daily challenges. It was an opportunity to celebrate resilience, build new friendships, and create stories that would be retold for years to come. The activities—whether it was searching for Santa, racing through the snow on dog sleds, or simply sharing meals with newfound friends—helped to weave a tapestry of joy that contrasted sharply with the pain many of these children had known.
The success of the Lapland trip has highlighted the ongoing need for initiatives that support children affected by abuse. The Tony Hudgell Foundation’s ability to mobilize resources and bring together families from across the country is a testament to the impact that one determined individual, even a child, can have. As Paula Hudgell observed, the memories made during the trip "will last a lifetime."
As the snow settled in Lapland and the families returned home, the echoes of laughter and the glow of shared experiences lingered. Tony’s vision—to let other children experience the "magic of Lapland"—had become a reality. And for every child who stepped off the plane, the world felt a little brighter and a little more hopeful.
