Paula Hudgell, the brave adoptive mother of double amputee hero Tony Hudgell, has revealed the heart-wrenching news that her cancer has returned — and this time, it’s terminal.

The devoted mother from West Malling, who first battled bowel cancer in 2022, had thought she was in the clear after surgery and chemotherapy. But this summer, the devastating diagnosis came back: the disease has now spread to her lungs. Stage 4 cancer, incurable, has turned Paula’s world upside down.

Speaking to The Mirror, she shared a poignant moment that crystallised her heartbreak. “I was on the school run with Tony last week, and he turned up the radio because a love song he liked was playing. He said he was going to have it at his wedding. That’s when it hit me — I won’t be there to see him get married. I’ve had my tears from him, but it hurts so much that I won’t see him grow up.”

Paula’s journey has been one of incredible courage. Misdiagnosed for years with what doctors believed was IBS, she demanded testing, leading to her initial cancer discovery. After enduring surgery and chemotherapy, she returned to life and her tireless campaigning work — only to face this cruel twist.

Her son Tony, now 11, has inspired the nation. Adopted as a baby after suffering severe abuse that led to the amputation of both legs, he has defied adversity in extraordinary ways. His charity walks on prosthetic legs have raised over £2 million, earning him invitations to Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, and the British Empire Medal.

Paula and her husband Mark, who already had eight children, adopted Tony at 41 days old, committing themselves to his care and future. Their work has extended far beyond their  family, with Paula successfully campaigning for Tony’s Law to protect children and increase jail terms for abusers. For her tireless advocacy, she was awarded an OBE in 2023.

Despite her terminal diagnosis, Paula remains determined. “The Tony Hudgell Foundation will continue, and others will take the reins, but this beast may have returned, and I’m not going anywhere without a fight,” she wrote on social media. She thanked friends and supporters for their overwhelming love, adding: “It means the world.”

The Hudgell family has faced many painful reminders of the past. Earlier this year, Tony’s birth parents — both jailed for abusing him — were released early. But through it all, Paula’s love and dedication have provided Tony with a safe, nurturing home and a platform to inspire millions.

Paula Hudgell’s courage, even in the face of terminal illness, stands as a testament to a mother’s love — and the enduring spirit of a family that refuses to be broken.