Little Tony Hudgell was just 41 days old when he was found suffering organ failure, numerous fractures and sepsis four years ago.
His biological parents had swung him around so violently by the legs, they were broken in eight places and later he had to have a double amputation.
The tot's injuries were so bad that doctors held out little hope he would survive – but were unable to stop treatment because he was a ward of the court and courts had closed over Christmas.
It was those critical few days that gave Tony the chance to fight for his life.
Tony is now four-years-old and being raised by his loving adoptive parents Paula and Mark Hudgell.
Speaking to the Mirror, mum Paula said: "The hospital decided at Christmas it wasn’t fair to keep Tony alive any longer.
"He was in a huge amount of pain and the medics decided enough was enough. But before the courts could open again, Tony rallied. So Christmas saved him in a way."
And the proud parents said it was amazing to see the little boy embrace life after his horrific treatment at the hands of his biological parents.
Paula said: "When you look at him it’s difficult to imagine how close to death he was."
Brutal mum Jody Simpson, 24, and dad Tony Smith, 47, had both denied child cruelty but were eventually convicted of child cruelty and jailed for just ten years.
Doctors previously revealed how Tony's future was uncertain as no other child his age had survived such appalling injuries.
Paula knew very little about Tony’s background when she first met him, but her suspicions were raised at a meeting with his birth parents, who claimed his injuries were down to a “terrible accident”.
In truth, they were behind a series of brutal attacks on the little baby over a shocking ten-day period.
Their trial heard the vile pair even delayed seeking treatment for the baby for days because they were waiting in for a plumber to fix the boiler.
Paula had first met little Tony in February 2015, saying she had become suspicious of the parents during a supervised visit.
She previously said: "His dad came bounding up, saying, ‘Thanks for looking after our boy. You’ll think us bad parents but it was just a terrible accident.’
"His mum refused to meet my gaze. Afterwards, I asked the social worker what he had meant.”
Paula could not shake the suspicion that Tony’s injuries were no accident.
Meanwhile, the youngster suffered night terrors and it became clear his injuries were going to be life changing.
Paula and Mark then made the decision they wanted to adopt the little boy, with the process complete in March 2016.
And they have been blown away by their little boy's strength and determination.
Paula said: “The absence of his legs will not be a lifelong reminder of his parents’ cruelty. It will be a reminder of what an incredible human being he is — strong, smart and determined.
“It was a proud moment for us and him when he stood on his new legs for the first time. Tony deserved so much more from the people who brought him into this world.
“But now he has a family who will fight for him every step of the way and absolutely adore him."
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