Sue Radford has revealed she has no desire to meet her birth parents, a stance that differs markedly from her husband Noel’s recent decision to seek out his biological mother, with the couple’s differing opinions leading to an “emotional clash”.
“We have very different views. For me, my mum and dad are my mum and dad. I never want to meet my birth mum,” Sue explained.
The 50-year-old also shared how losing their son Alfie in 2014 strengthened her resolve on the matter.
“After losing Alfie, it made me more determined, as when you lose a child, you don’t have the option to give it up,” she said.
Sue emphasised her contentment with their current life, adding: “We have wonderful kids and a happy life, and we feel very lucky we’ve got them.”
Noel Radford, 54, recently met his biological mother after enlisting help from an adoption specialist to locate her.
The reunion proved emotional for Noel, who was adopted at just 10 days old.
He spent “a couple of hours” with his birth mother, describing her as “nice” and noting she was pleased about the meeting.
His biological mother explained she had to give him up at 17 years old, hoping he would eventually seek her out.
Despite the contrasting approaches between the couple, Noel also emphasised while speaking to Closer Magazine that their disagreement 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,” he told the publication.
Despite the positive encounter, Noel has made it clear he has no plans to develop an ongoing relationship with his biological mother.
He was “glad” to have found her, but emphasised “that’s it,” maintaining that his adoptive parents are his true parents.
The Radfords’ differing perspectives on birth parent reunions will feature in the new series of their Channel 4 documentary.
The family recently shared a poignant tribute to their late son Alfie on social media, posting an image of his birth certificate with blue heart emojis.
“Received Alfie’s birth certificate yesterday. This is going to be framed. So precious,” they wrote on Instagram.
The Radford family first entered the public eye through Channel 4’s documentary series, which began with 15 Kids and Counting in 2012.
The series has chronicled the lives of Noel and Sue Radford and their ever-growing family, culminating in the current programme, 22 Kids and Counting.
The couple, who were both adopted themselves, now have 22 children and 14 grandchildren.
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They reside in a 10-bedroom house in Morecambe, where cameras have documented their unique family dynamics over the years.
The newest series, set to hit screens this month, explores more personal territory as it follows Noel’s journey to find his biological mother.
22 Kids and Counting returns to Channel 5 on Sunday, July 20.