'As long as I have fire in my belly, I'll keep fighting to protect abused kids'

Plea by Tony Hudgell's mum as she battles terminal cancer

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

THE adoptive mother of a little boy whose legs had to be amputated due to abuse by his birth parents has vowed to continue fighting for mistreated children despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Paula Hudgell, 58, is campaigning for child abusers to be treated the same as sex offenders via the creation of a national register.

MPs are voting on it today.

Paula, who took in Tony Hudgell, now 11, as a baby, said: "I've been battling cancer but as long as I have fire in my belly I'll keep fighting to protect children by pushing for this register. That's what keeps me going — knowing that Tony’s legacy can help save other young lives.”