Mother of 'Britain's largest family' Sue Radford pens heartfelt tribute to her 'beautiful baby boy' Alfie - who was stillborn 10 years ago
- Sue Radford, who is based in Morecambe, shared the tribute on Instagram
- READ MORE: Mother-of-22 Sue Radford shares a glimpse into her family's weekend
Sue Radford has penned a heartfelt tribute to her late son Alfie, who was stillborn ten years ago.
The mother-of-22 - whose family is based in Morecambe - admitted that it 'never gets easier' to grieve her 17th child, as she recalled the painful memory from a decade ago.
Taking to her Instagram stories last night, she wrote: 'This time 10 years ago I was in a labour room being told our beautiful baby boy had no heartbeat.
'I would be induced a few hours later for him to be born silent but perfect at 7:54am the next morning.
'This time of year never ever gets easier. I cant believe it's 10 years tomorrow since he was born.'
The mother-of-22 admitted that it 'never gets easier' to grieve her 17th child, as she recalled the painful memory from a decade ago
In the post, she also shared photos of his grave and hand and footprints, as well as an image showing his little hand peeking out from a babygro.
Alfie was stillborn on July 6th 2014, after the baby's heartbeat could no longer be found during their three-month scan.
The family has every year since penned touching posts in memory of their late son.
It comes as earlier this year Sue's daughter Katie, 21, has revealed that she is pregnant with her first baby - and announced that she will be having a boy.
The eighth child of 'Britain's biggest family', from Morecambe, took to her Instagram to share the happy news, along with her long-term boyfriend Connor Carter, who has also featured in their reality show '22 Kids & Counting'.
In an episode in January, the father-to-be moved into the Radfords' home after he and Katie convinced Sue and Noel that he's willing to pull his weight and help out with chores.
The couple shared a clip of their huge - and extending - family on social media this weekend, writing: 'Baby Carter mummy and daddy can't wait too meet you.'
Footage shows Connor leaping excitedly as blue smoke emerges from a party popper.
In the post, she also shared photos of his grave and hand and footprints, as well as an image showing his little hand peeking out from a babygro. Sue and Noel pictured in January
He and Katie can then be seen embracing as they take in the joyful news.
Members of the Radford clan took to social media to share their wellwishes with the expecting parents.
Her sister Chloe, 24, who is also a mother to baby Mila, wrote: 'Beautiful day yesterday celebrating @katieeradford and @cxnnxr.carter baby BOY. So happy and excited for both of you.'
'Finally, another little boy,' Millie, 22, who has three kids also wrote: 'You're going to be the best mummy ever can't wait to meet my baby nephew @katieeradford.'
Ellie, 19, said: 'Congratulations to my beautiful sister @katieeradford and @cxnnxr.carter I'm so proud of both of you, I can't wait to meet little man. Auntie Ell loves you so much already.'
Meanwhile, Aimee, 18, penned: 'So happy for you both, another little nephew.'
The news means that Sue and Noel will become grandparents for the fifteenth time.
Earlier this year, an episode of 22 Kids & Counting saw Katie convincing Noel and Sue to let her boyfriend Connor move into their place.
He helped out with laundry and housework, as well as getting himself a job that promised steady income - which eventually won the Radfords over.
Meanwhile in February Sue revealed that she would 'love' to welcome more children into Britain's biggest family.
The mother-of-22 opened up about the prospect of fostering or adopting more children as her eldest start leaving home.
Earlier this year, an episode of 22 Kids & Counting saw Katie convincing Noel and Sue to let her boyfriend Connor move into their place. The couple pictured in August
Speaking to the Mirror, the stay-at-home mother - who had her first child at 13 - said that she 'dreads' the thought of having an empty nest.
She explained: 'We adore being surrounded by kids, so I'd love to adopt or foster.
'We're not having any more of our own so it's definitely something we'd think about when ours are older.'
The most recent addition to Noel and Sue's super-sized brood was Heidie, who was born in April 2020 - just five months before their granddaughter Ophelia arrived.
Between them, the couple are parents to Chris, 34, Sophie, 29, Chloe, 28, Jack, 26, Daniel, 24, Luke, 22, Millie, 22, Katie, 21, James, 19, Ellie, 18, Aimee, 17, Josh, 16, Max, 14, Tillie, 13, Oscar, 11, Casper, 10, Hallie, eight, Phoebe, seven, Archie, six, Bonnie, four and Heidie, three.
Sue then went on to say that they are 'proud to be Britain's biggest family' - but admitted that she only originally planned on having three children.
She added: 'We're addicted to children – but as addictions go, it's not a bad one because it's motivated by love. We have plenty to go round.''
