22 Kids and Counting's Sue Radford breaks down over daughter's life-changing decision
In an emotional episode of Channel 5's 22 Kids and Counting, Sue Radford was seen breaking down in tears after her daughter Tillie faced a daunting decision.
The Radford family was thrown into turmoil when it emerged that Tillie had been enduring bullying at school due to her disability, leading to many tearful returns home.
A critical juncture arrived following a hospital visit, where the family grappled with the choice of whether Tillie should undergo a leg operation.
Sue recounted a worrying observation from Tillie's childhood, saying: "When Tillie was five, she was stood in front of me and I thought, 'There was a bone like it was sticking out'. I went straight to the doctor and the doctor went, 'Yep, that definitely doesn't look right'. There was a problem with that bone."
It was discovered that an infection had compromised the growth plate in Tillie's femur when she was younger, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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In a heart-wrenching video, Sue is seen weeping in her car as she updates on Tillie's condition, expressing her fears: "We don't know if that bone will stop growing, we just have to hope that it doesn't and that it's alright. it is an absolute nightmare."
Noel explained the gravity of the situation, stating that without intervention, Tillie's leg bone would continue to grow improperly. He recalled how Tillie underwent surgery and subsequently spent nine months with a device to maintain leg alignment.
Despite the removal of the device, Tillie was left with scars, and four years post-operation, she revealed: "My left still isn't growing and I am still lop-sided."
"We have seen a massive change in her limp," observed Noel. "There is a big difference in the two sides."
Sue Radford sobbed in her car (Image: Channel 5)Tillie was then confronted with a life-altering choice as she was informed that another surgery could potentially lengthen her leg.
Following an examination, the doctor suggested to Tillie that she would benefit from a procedure as the gap in her leg had become more pronounced.
"We didn't realise it was that severe, did we?" Sue queried, to which Noel concurred: "No, when she stands before us you can see, but there is a significant difference."
The family was posed with a question by the doctor: "The million-dollar question is whether you want something to be done."
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"I am not really sure," confessed Tillie, leading Noel to admit to the cameras: "Our heart sank when she said she didn't want it to be done."
However, after some convincing, Tillie conceded that it was the right course of action, simply stating: "I want the operation."
She later added: "The aim is to have the operation and then everything from then will get better."
Narrator Sally Lindsay remarked: "The operation is months away, but Tillie has made a decision that could potentially change her life."
22 Kids and Counting returns on Sunday at 8pm on Channel 5.
22 Kids and Counting's Sue Radford breaks down over daughter's life-changing decision
22 Kids and Counting's Sue Radford breaks down over daughter's life-changing decision
22 Kids and Counting's Sue Radford breaks down over daughter's life-changing decision
22 Kids and Counting's Sue Radford breaks down over daughter's life-changing decision
22 Kids and Counting's Sue Radford breaks down over daughter's life-changing decision
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