Sue Radford, the matriarch of Channel 5's 22 Kids and Counting, has given fans a mixed health update concerning her 15-year-old daughter, Tillie.
The teenager, who has Limb Length Discrepancy (LLD), is scheduled for a major operation later this year, following a recent hospital consultation.
Details of Tillie's Upcoming Surgery
During the appointment, the family learned that the forthcoming procedure is quite complex and is expected to take around five hours to complete.
A significant part of the update involved the timeline for recovery. Sue revealed that Tillie will need to wear a frame on her leg for approximately six to eight months, which is longer than initially anticipated.
However, there was a positive note: doctors confirmed that Tillie should be able to bear weight on the leg roughly one month after the surgery.
Timing Agreed Around GCSE Exams
The family and the surgical team were in full agreement about scheduling the operation. They have all decided it is best for the procedure to take place after Tillie has completed her GCSE examinations later this year.
This decision prioritises her education and allows her to focus on her studies without the immediate stress of surgery and recovery.
Tillie's condition, LLD, means one of her limbs is noticeably shorter than the other. Her leg stopped growing when she was just 18 months old, and she has previously undergone treatment involving a frame to encourage lengthening.
Outpouring of Support from Followers
After sharing the news on Instagram, Sue's followers flooded the post with messages of support and well-wishes for Tillie.
One fan commented on the bravery of postponing the operation until after exams, while another called Tillie "an inspiration" to others facing similar future surgeries.
The Radford family, including Sue and husband Noel, are Britain's largest family and star in their own documentary series.
They live in a 10-bedroom former care home in Morecambe and run their own business, Radford's Pie Company, which they purchased in 1999.
