Eight-year-old Tony Hudgell climbed his first Lakeland fell on Tuesday August 8 to raise money for a number of worthy causes.

He summited Orrest Head as part of a fundraising challenge supporting Bendrigg Trust, Crohn’s & Colitis UK, Fix the Fells, and his own eponymous Foundation.

Supported by local guide and fundraiser Steve Watts MBE, the young boy enjoyed using The Swan at Grasmere expedition as headquarters before and after the climb.

The day started with an early morning call from BBC Breakfast, before Tony travelled to Windermere to start ‘Summit’s Up for Tony’.

The double amputee made light work of the 238 meter fell, reaching the summit in a little over an hour and flanked by supporters, his friend Jack and other well-wishers spurring him on.

Tony was joined by legendary mountaineer Sir Chris Bonnington and Hari Budha Magar, who recently became the first double, above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest and had taken a keen interest in Tony’s quest.

Capturing the nation back in 2020 aged just 5, the Tony took inspiration from Sir Captain Tom Moore by raising funds for the hospital that saved his life when he was brought in aged just six weeks old.

Inflicted with severe injuries inflicted by his birth parents, which resulted in multiple fractures, and dislocations that eventually led to both of his legs being amputated, Tony has to date raised more the £1.7million for good causes.

After completing the climb, around 100 supporters including family, friends and other organisations regrouped in The Swan’s beer garden to celebrate with nibbles.

The day closed with Sir Chris and Magar presenting Hudgell with a commemorative Lakeland slate plaque and the team at The Swan increasing their donation from £509 to £1000.

Currently the total amount raised exceeds £30,000, donations can still be donated here.

General manager of The Swan, Nigel Brown said: “When we were first approached by Steve about supporting the challenge, we were more than happy to cover Tony and his family’s stay and they have thoroughly enjoyed their time with us.

“Going up the fell with him was something special, he left us all trailing as he just flew up the trails and made it look easy.

“He’s an inspirational little fella and we’re all delighted to have played our part in making this a special day for all involved.”