British Woman Set To Deliver Her 17th Child

The mother of Britain’s biggest family is pregnant with her 17th child at the same time as her eldest daughter is expecting her second, the family revealed today.

Sue Radford, 39, of Morecambe, Lancashire, who already has nine sons and seven daughters, is looking forward to her family’s newest addition after finding out she was pregnant in March.

Mrs Radford - who featured on Channel 4 show 16 Kids and Counting - is expecting her 17th baby in November, while her daughter Sophie, 20, is excited for her new arrival due five weeks earlier.

The Radfords, who run a bakery and are completely self-sufficient, receive no state benefits.

Mrs Radford said she was ‘ecstatic’ to learn she was pregnant, adding that sharing the experience with her daughter stops her worrying after she suffered a miscarriage in September last year.

The mother and father-to-be Noel, 43, said they were ‘devastated beyond words’ when a 12-week scan revealed the infant had died, just days after they announced they were expecting again.

But after the news of her latest pregnancy, Mrs Radford said: ‘Baby number 17 is due in November and we couldn’t be happier. It’s been fantastic being pregnant the same time as Sophie.

‘After everything we went through when we had a miscarriage, Sophie really helps to keep me calm.

‘I worried constantly during my last pregnancy but instead of doing the same this time, I just keep saying that what will be, will be. I really feel like this one is meant to be.

‘Because we are going through the same thing, we’re able to talk about everything and reassure each other.

 ‘It’s really stopped me getting stressed and it’s great not to have to go through it all on your own. We are craving all of the same things too, particularly junk food like cream cakes, chocolate and ice lollies.

‘We just laugh and say at least we’ll get fat together. I’ve definitely started to balloon and I’ve had to say goodbye to my skinny jeans.’

The pair went for a scan together two weeks ago and they said they were both ‘thrilled’ to hear both babies are doing well.

Mrs Radford, who lives with her husband and children in a £280,000 nine-bedroom former care home, said: ‘It was so lovely. We both got to see our baby in HD, which was totally amazing.

‘Not many mums get to share that with their daughter so I knew it was really special. I feel like we have already made some amazing memories together.

‘Sophie knows she’s having a little girl and, although I don’t know for sure, I feel like I’m having a boy. No matter how many scans you have it really is amazing to see a little life growing inside you.

Sue with her equally pregnant first daughter

‘When it was Sophie’s turn, she found out she’s having a girl and she’s a little wriggler. All of the kids are so excited. All the boys want a boy and all the girls want another girl.’

When asked whether baby number 17 will be the last, Mrs Radford said: ‘I always say “never say never” - but maybe this time it’s the last.’

Mrs Radford is mother to Chris, 25, Sophie, 20, Chloe, 18, Jack, 17, Daniel, 15, Luke, 13, Millie, 12, Katie, 11, James, ten, Ellie, nine, Aimee, eight, Josh, seven, Max, five Tilly, four, Oscar, two, and Casper, one.

Her daughter Sophie - who is already mother to Daisy Mae, one - said: ‘It was strange.  As soon as I found out I was pregnant I just knew my mum was too. When she told me I was so happy. It just makes everything less stressful and I feel like it’s brought us even closer.

'It’s lovely to be able to share this experience with my mum and we’re both doing really well.’

Full-time mother Sophie now lives separately to her parents and siblings, with Daisy Mae and her boyfriend Joe, Mrs Radford told MailOnline