This Short Film Offers an Imitate Portrait into Life as a 9 Year Old Double Amputee

Director Sam Huntley, Marshall Street Editors and Sine Audio are proud to present an astonishing short film 'So Let Me Tell You A Little Story' about strength and tenacity in this intimate portrait of Tony Hudgell; a charismatic, complex nine-year old double amputee. 

Abused as a baby by his biological parents, Tony faces daily physical and emotional challenges, but his persistence and character have made him something of a national treasure thanks to his incredible fundraising achievements. 

We follow Tony throughout the film as he navigates a variety of physical and emotional landscapes. The film uses a close, observational approach, with much of the action and narrative being led by Tony and his own words. Immersed into his world, we see Tony in the family home he shares with his adopted parents, Paula and Mark (and some of his seven brothers and sisters), playing at the local park, walking in the woods and at the swimming pool. 

We see Tony’s relationship with Paula, Mark, and especially his eleven-year-old sister Lacey and hear his thoughts on everything from arguments with siblings and girlfriend trouble, through to managing life with prosthetic legs and what he thinks should happen to ‘bad people’. We also witness the beginnings of Tony’s fundraising journey, emerging from learning to walk on his prosthetic legs, before taking on a lockdown walking challenge which ultimately raised £1.7 million pounds. 

'So Let Me Tell You A Little Story' provides an insight into the determination of the Hudgell family who have collectively transformed the most difficult, heart breaking start in life into a lived experience of love, dedication, inspiration and positive change including the creation of a charitable foundation and successfully changing the law regarding child abuse.

Tony is both an ordinary nine-year-old boy and an extraordinary one. Empowered by his family, and by sheer force of character, he has made it his personal mission to raise money for the hospital that saved his life, and to help other children who have suffered from physical, emotional and psychological abuse. 

Director Sam Huntley says, “Over the course of my career as a documentary filmmaker I’ve always been fascinated by ‘ordinary people’ who have extraordinary stories to tell. I first encountered Tony when I was casting for a new TV campaign for McDonald’s, which promoted inclusivity in kids’ football. As part of the casting process, I had to watch 500+ self-tapes of eager kids wanting to be cast in the films.”

To celebrate the premiere of the film, director Sam Huntley and editor Toby Conway-Hughes will be doing a sponsored 35 mile walk from Soho to Tony’s house in Kent. We would be so grateful if you could help Tony's incredible charity by donating here.