22 Kids and Counting's Tillie Radford, 14, reduced to tears after cruel bullying over her disability
22 Kids and Counting star Tillie Radford broke down in the most recent episode after she experienced bullying over her disability.
In the hit TV show on Sunday (18 August), Sue and Noel Radford’s 14-year-old daughter was seen crying after children made cruel comments to her at school.
Tillie has one shortened leg which is due to an infection when she was younger that stopped growth in her femur. Four years ago, Tillie had major surgery to correct the problem, but it continues to cause her issues.
As a result of having one leg shorter than the other, Tillie has been left with a limp. And in one heartbreaking scene, Tillie returned home from school early in years after being teased by her classmates.
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Tillie confessed to her dad, Noel: “Kids ask ‘why do you limp? Why do you wear odd shoes?’ They’ll say anything to bring it up.”
Tillie revealed the bullies also poke fun at the “holes in her leg” left by her initial surgery four years ago.
And talking to the camera Sue told viewers it wasn’t the first time Tillie had returned home from school early. “One time she ended up ringing up in floods of tears, she was so hysterical she couldn’t get her words out.”
On The Radford family Instagram where they promoted their Channel 5 show, fans rushed to support Tillie.
One wrote: “Tillie is so strong and hope shes feeling better now.”
Another added: “Ahh Tilly girl!!!!! I've always limped.. I've used wheelchairs and crutches.. and I have a length difference (2cm) I get you completely but don't let people get you down!! They are not worth it at all xxx”.
A third said: “This is heartbreaking. No 1 should ever get bullied full stop! No need at all! Keep strong Tilly x”.
During the episode, Tillie was faced with a dilemma as the difference in length between her legs was bigger.
However due to previous bullying, Tillie was adamant she didn’t want to have any more surgery. But her dad was convinced she wasn’t looking at the “future problems” it may cause.
In an emotional heart-to-heart, Tillie’s older sister Sophie, confessed to her own battle with bullying. She told Tillie: “I was bullied quite badly in school, I remember waking up and crying to mum saying I'm not going to school. And I didn't sit my GCSEs because of it. And now, with the job I’m wanting to get, that would change my life. I can’t get it because I left school early.”
Tillie and her parents met with a doctor to look at options on how to balance out her legs. After looking at multiple options, Tillie agreed to have the operation.
