The adoptive mum of brave double amputee Tony Hudgell today talks for the first time of her own fight – with bowel cancer.

Campaigning Paula Hudgell says steeling herself to beat the disease has given her yet more determination to ensure child killers and abusers get tougher punishment.

Her lobbying led to Tony’s Law, named after the seven-year-old who was battered by his birth parents.

Mum-of-eight Paula, 53, says: “I was diagnosed with a large tumour in February which had been growing for as long as 10 years.

“This was a total shock. I know it won’t be an easy ride but if my boy can go through so much, often still smiling and with his cheeky sense of humour, then I can too.

“Being diagnosed with bowel cancer seems to have put even more of a fire in my belly.

“I’ve been fighting for Tony’s Law since my son’s evil abusers were jailed four years ago.

“I was horrified to learn that those who caused or allowed a child to die did not face the same life sentence as those convicted of murder, manslaughter or even grievous bodily harm with intent.

“Tony’s Law now gives judges the power to hand down sentences that truly reflect the appalling nature of these crimes and ensure these monsters stay behind bars longer, and possibly for life.”

And with a determination that is reflected in courageous Tony, she adds: “I’m not ready to give up yet. The Government can go further by establishing a register that ensures offenders can be tracked. I may have my own health battle, and I’m under no illusion as to how hard it will be, but it won’t stop me doing all I can.”

Paula spoke with passion at home near West Malling, Kent, where she and husband Mark, 57, have given Tony a fresh start.

Paula had a six-hour operation in March. She is about to start six months of chemotherapy – followed by a second operation to remove a temporary ileostomy bag.

Plucky Tony won the nation’s heart when he raised more than £1.6million for the Evelina London Children’s Hospital by walking 10km on his first prosthetic legs.

Paula admits her diagnosis has left her worried for her kids.