Sam Huntley Directs "Fighting Spirit" For The Tony Hudgell Foundation

The Tony Hudgell Foundation has launched this 90-second film, “Fighting Spirit,” documenting 8-year old Tony’s inspirational journey to turn a traumatic start in life into hope for hundreds of vulnerable children.

The client-direct film--directed by Sam Huntley via production company Sonny Boy Films--is being released following the success of the foundation’s recent Christmas Present Appeal, which provided hundreds of presents to less fortunate children, and is aimed at raising awareness of the foundation’s important work helping children who have been affected by physical, emotional and psychological abuse. The Foundation has raised over £1.7 million ($2 million-plus) for the Evelina Children’s Hospital which saved Tony’s life.

At only 41 days old, Tony suffered a multitude of injuries at the hands of his birth parents. As a result Tony required 8 blood transfusions and 23 operations, including a double amputation at the knees at age 3. In 2021 his adopted parents, Paula and Mark Hudgell set up the Tony Hudgell Foundation to enhance the lives of other child victims of abuse.

Foundation co-founder Paula Hudgell said, “We’re over the moon to finally put this film out into the world. A lot of love from a lot of dedicated people has gone into making it, which is testa- ment to the affection that people have for Tony and how inspired they are by his story.” 

Fellow co-founder, Mark Hudgell said, “We really hope that this film will have a positive impact and enable us to help more children who have suffered abuse”.

Director Huntley added, “Working with Paula, Mark, and of course Tony, on this film has been such a rewarding experience. Spending any time with Tony is such a pleasure; his energy and tenacity are so infectious and I’m so happy to have been a part of making this film for such a great cause.”