Sue Radford, Britain's best-known mum of 22, has shared a health update on two of her children as a stomach bug spreads during the ongoing UK heatwave. In a post on the official Radford family Instagram and Facebook page, Sue revealed that sons Casper, 13, and Archie, 8, are off school with what she called the "dreaded tummy bug."
Stomach bug hits Radford household
Alongside a picture of her hand holding a mug reading "queen of everything," Sue wrote: "Morning everyone it's a hot one today. What are you all up to today? Bonnie has gone on a school trip today which she was very excited about but we have Casper and Archie off school today with the dreaded tummy bug." She added that Bonnie, 7, had informed them many other children were off school with the same illness, indicating it is "doing the rounds."
Fans were quick to offer support in the comments. One wrote: "Hope they get well soon." Another said: "It's so nice to hear from you. Sorry to hear some of the kids are unwell. Hope they get better soon. Hope Bonnie has a good time." A third commented: "Oh no I hope the bug goes away soon, poor little ones having it in this heat."
Family's rise to fame
Sue Radford first appeared on television in 2012 on Channel 4's 15 Kids and Counting, alongside other large British families. A follow-up, 16 Kids and Counting, focused solely on the Radfords. Today, the family stars in Channel 5's 22 Kids and Counting, documenting life as Britain's largest family. Sue and her husband Noel, who met as children and became a couple as teenagers, also run a pie business, Radford's Pies, based in Morecambe, Lancashire.
The couple had their first child, Christopher, when Sue was 14 and Noel was 18. They married when Sue was 17 and Noel was 21. Their 22 children range from Christopher, born in 1989, to Heidie, born in 2020. The family includes one stillbirth: Alfie, who died in 2014.
Fans rally with messages of support
Many followers expressed sympathy and concern. One Facebook user said: "Hope she enjoys her school trip. The dreaded stomach bug, hopefully it won't go through the family. I feel really sorry for you if it does, it's bad enough if there is only three or four people in the family." Another agreed: "Hope yours are feeling better soon. I've got 2 of my children off with the tummy bug too." A further comment read: "Keep going Sue you are doing amazingly."
The heatwave has added to the challenge, with temperatures soaring across the UK. Sue's update comes as many families struggle with the hot weather, and the Radfords' large household faces the added difficulty of caring for sick children in the heat.
