Sue Radford shares emotional tribute as 22 Kids and Counting star offers support over ‘heartbreaking’ loss
Sue Radford from the Channel 5 programme 22 Kids and Counting has paid an emotional tribute to family friend Sophie Walker, who died from cancer aged 17.
The reality television star expressed her heartbreak on social media following the tragic loss of Sophie, who passed away last July after battling the disease.
Sophie was initially diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour in 2017 after mistaking symptoms for a stomach bug.
The Radford family matriarch had previously encouraged her followers to make donations in Sophie’s memory.
Her tribute comes as Sophie’s family marked the anniversary of when the teenager’s health began to rapidly deteriorate, sharing poignant memories on Instagram that prompted an outpouring of support from well-wishers.
Sophie’s family posted a moving tribute on Instagram on June 17, marking one year since her condition began to worsen.
They shared a photograph of Sophie sitting on a bed, taken during her final weeks, alongside an emotional message: “Today marks a year since Sophie rapidly started to decline.”
The family wrote: “The next few weeks are going to be super hard as we relive what went wrong and what we should’ve done differently.”
They described the heartbreaking image: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking seeing her face in so much pain sitting in this chair, her back was in agony from the rapidly growing tumours and we were absolutely desperate and terrified at the same time.”
The post revealed they had sought private blood tests in Germany, but the results showed they were “coming to the end of the road.”
Sue Radford responded to the family’s post with a heartfelt comment, offering her support during this difficult time.
“You and Jamie are the most amazing parents who fought tirelessly for Sophie,” she wrote.
The television personality expressed how deeply the photograph affected her: “This picture breaks my heart. We miss Sophie so much life is just so unfair.”
She added: “It breaks my heart,” including a sad face emoji in her message.
The Radford family friend’s emotional response highlighted the close bond between the families and the profound impact Sophie’s death has had on those who knew her.
Her public tribute demonstrated the ongoing grief felt by Sophie’s loved ones as they navigate the painful anniversary of her final weeks.
Numerous supporters responded to the family’s Instagram post with messages of comfort and reassurance.
“Sending your family so much love. I watched your journey, your love and devotion was endless, I’m so sorry nothing could save her,” one user commented.
Another person wrote: “You did EVERYTHING you could for her. You do not own an ounce of blame.”
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A third individual acknowledged the cruel nature of the disease: “There is nothing you could have done differently. Cancer is a beast.”
“It breaks my heart she was such a strong warrior and did not deserve this. She is often thought of as are you all sending hugs at this very difficult time,” a fourth supporter expressed.