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A six-year-old boy who raised more than £1million for charity after being inspired by Captain Tom Moore has sent the veteran a get well soon video after it emerged he has Covid-19.
Tony Hudgell, a double-amputee from Kings Hill, walked 10km on his prosthetic legs in June after watching Captain Tom complete 100 lengths of his garden in aid of the NHS.
Yesterday the 100-year-old's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore announced on Twitter her father is being treated for the virus in hospital, although he is not in ICU.
To wish his hero a speedy recovery, young Tony recorded a video message this morning saying: "Hello Captain Tom, you are a hero to me. Get well soon and I really want to meet you."
He signed off the video sending virtual hugs and kisses on behalf of the Hudgell family.
Mrs Ingram-Moore said her father had been at home with family until Sunday when he needed additional help with breathing.
She explained: "Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for Covid-19.
“The medical care he has received in the last few weeks has been remarkable and we know that the wonderful staff at Bedford Hospital will do all they can to make him comfortable and hopefully return home as soon as possible.
“We understand that everyone will be wishing him well.
“We are of course focussing on my father and will update you when we are able to."
In June when Tony was completing his challenge he received a special message of encouragement from Captain Tom's family wishing him good luck.
The Discovery School pupil had hoped to raise a modest £500 but smashed the total in a matter of days with the final figure reaching £1.5million.
The money was donated to the Evelina London Children's Hospital after staff there saved Tony's life when he was just 41 days old.
He had to have both his legs amputated after suffering horrific abuse by his biological parents.
The feat also earned Tony a trophy at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards which sits proudly on display on a mantelpiece in the Hudgell family’s living room.
