The big (family) 5-0'

Mother of 22 marks big birthday by taking her kids on dream hols

- CHRISTINE SMITH

As the mother of Britain's biggest family, Sue Radford knows a thing or 22 about giving birth and celebrating birthdays.

This year, she has one of her own milestones to mark and hitting 50 would not be the same without including the whole clan...all 32 and counting.

Which is why Sue has planned a year of fun that will kick off with a huge family holiday to Disney World in Florida at Easter with 21 of her children and 11 grandchildren.

Now, in an exclusive interview from their home in Morecambe, Lancs, Sue, whose birthday is on March 22, says: "Turning 50 is such a big deal. I remember when I was 40 and that was a big deal. I absolutely hated it!

"So I said, 'You know what, because I am turning 50, I am definitely having a whole year of celebrations!' I think if you are going to turn 50, to soften the blow a little bit, it's got to be big..."

Turning to her husband of 32 years, Noel, Sue then grins: "No pressure!" Their chemistry has been one of the reasons their reality show, 22 Kids and a Wedding, is proving such a big hit.

There is no shortage of teasing between them.

We are talking through Zoom, so when I point out Sue looks far younger than her years, Noel cheekily whips out a tissue and pretends to clean the camera lens.

Sue giggles as she outlines the plans she has made for her birthday.