Noel and Sue Radford, stars of Channel 5's '22 Kids and Counting', have opened up about an 'emotional clash' arising from their differing views on seeking birth parents. Both Noel, 54, and Sue, 50, were adopted, but while Noel has met his biological mother for the first time since being adopted at 10 days old, Sue has no desire to find her own birth parents.
Speaking to Closer Magazine, Noel said: 'It was an emotional clash rather than horrible. We have differing views on it, but I totally understand Sue doesn't want to find hers and that is fine.' Sue explained: 'For me, my mum and dad are my mum and dad. I never want to meet my birth mum, and after losing Alfie, it made me more determined.'
The couple, who live in a 10-bedroom house in Morecambe with their 22 children and 14 grandchildren, lost their son Alfie to stillbirth in 2014. Sue said the tragedy reinforced her resolve, noting that 'when you lose a child, you don't have the option to give it up.'
Noel enlisted an adoption expert to find his birth mother, who was also keen on a reunion. He described the meeting as 'emotional', spending a couple of hours with her. However, he does not wish to pursue a relationship, stating: 'I'm glad to have met her, but that's it. My adoptive parents are my true family.'
Noel's decision to meet his birth mother came despite a happy life with his adoptive family. The new series of '22 Kids and Counting' airs on Channel 5 from Sunday, July 20, at 8pm.
