Sue Radford receives flood of support as 22 Kids and Counting star reflects on heartbreaking loss: ‘Devastated’
Viewers have rallied behind the Radford family after the latest episode of 22 Kids and Counting, which was packed with emotion.
The instalment, which aired on Sunday night, honuored Sophie Walker, a teenager who died last year following a lengthy illness.
Responding to a preview clip which had been posted on social media, fans shared an outpouring of sympathy.
Messages of condolence poured in for both the Radfords and the Walker family.
The episode centred on the close bond between the two families. The Radfords have described the Walkers as their dearest companions, and the programme explored how they supported each other during Sophie’s illness.
Sophie was only 17 when she succumbed to cancer in July 2024, having fought the disease for seven years.
Her initial diagnosis came in 2017 when what appeared to be a simple stomach ailment turned out to be Wilms’ tumour.
Throughout her illness, Sophie’s parents Jamie and Rebecca worked tirelessly to raise funds for potentially life-saving treatments. The couple, who have ten children, spent years seeking medical options for their daughter.
The teenager’s death marked the end of a prolonged medical journey that began when she was just ten years old.
Her passing has deeply affected both her family and their close friends, the Radfords, who documented their grief in the television episode.
In footage shared on the family’s social media, Sue Radford spoke about the strength of their friendship with the Walker family.
“The Walkers are our best friends. They’ve always been there for us, and we’ve always tried to be there for them, especially with what they’re going through with Sophie,” she said.
She described the family’s desperate situation as Sophie’s condition deteriorated.
“She’s starting to feel a lot of pain, so they took her to A&E. They’re at the mercy of doctors,” Sue explained.
The clip also featured Sophie’s father Jamie, who revealed the emotional toll on the family.
“There are times I could just scream and smash the place up,” he admitted, highlighting the raw anguish experienced during their daughter’s final days.
Numerous heartfelt responses from fans soon flooded in. “So so Heartbreaking my thoughts are with you all Xxx,” wrote one supporter, whilst others simply expressed their sadness at the news.
One viewer shared their personal connection to Sophie’s story: “I was devastated when I found out Sophie died. I was praying for her and made a donation on her GoFundMe. I didn’t know she had passed, as I deactivated my Instagram account. I saw something on the news and was in disbelief. I had to reactivate my account to make sure it was real!”
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“So so Heartbreaking. my thoughts are with you all Xxx,” another shared while someone else commented: “Bless her. so young.”
“It’s so sad that most of her life she was fighting cancer and had to pass away from it,” another wrote.
A different Instagram user added: “Watched the episode tonight and wow brought me to tears what an emotional episode so amazing and you all done Sophie proud.”
“Heartbreaking nobody should have to go through that! So sad,” another penned. (sic)
When Sophie died, the Radfords posted their own moving message. “Beautiful Sophie our hearts are broken, you really were the most beautiful kind hearted funny and bravest girl we will miss your beautiful smile and laugh so much,” they wrote.