The Radfords: Making Life Count

by Noel Radford, Sue Radford

TV stars Noel and Sue beat all the odds to stay together and become Britain’s biggest family with 22 children. Meeting as youngsters, Sue first fell pregnant at a young age and the teenage lovebirds, both adopted as babies, were determined to bring up their first baby and build a family together. Their love story continued to blossom – and their children kept on coming! The couple confess to having had an addiction with a difference – a positive addiction motivated by love. They were addicted to having children. They are as much in love today as they were as teenage sweethearts, while their larger-than-life story continues to see new chapters unfold. Making Life Count is a collection of uplifting and personal stories about navigating family life, filled with moments of tears and laughter.

Noel and Sue Radford are the head of Britain’s biggest family, with 22 children including Chris, Sophie, Chloe, Jack, Daniel, Luke, Millie, Katie, James, Ellie, Aimee, Josh, Max, Tillie, Oscar, Casper, Hallie, Phoebe, Archie, Bonnie, Heidie and their brother, Alfie, who was tragically stillborn. The family’s day-to-day adventures are followed by viewers of the hit show Britain’s Biggest 22 Kids and Counting. They have also built a massive online following through the success of their Radford Family YouTube channel.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography

Hardcover

First published February 29, 2024

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I watched the TV series which I enjoyed.. but was disappointed with the book as it didn't reveal any added information about the family that I did not know from the series.tells you the kids' grandkids and losing a child... wanted more from this read..

[Caroline James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read from start to finish couldn't put the book down. Just felt like I was there sat having a cuppa with them both as they told their story

[Janinas.Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Radfords-Eine Familie mit 22 Kindern, die ich seit einigen Jahren immer mal wieder auf Social Media und ihrer TV Show verfolge. Dieses Buch hat mir wirklich gut gefallen und ich konnte es kaum aus der Hand legen. Die ganz besondere Geschichte einer außergewöhnlichen Familie, die tiefere Einblicke in ihren Alltag und ihre Familiengeschichte geben. Kann ich wirklich empfehlen!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I lost sleep and I know if my life wasn’t so busy I would easily have read it in one sitting. I also pretty much read it twice, I kept ready parts out loud to my sister on our journey down to Devon. I was laughing out loud and that just has to be shared 😊.
This family are so genuine and down to earth and it was they were so candid writing this book. Their love for children shines through. I wish there were more people in the world like The Radfords. Very inspiring.

[Ian Micklewright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, we’ve watched their tv series too and it’s a very fascinating life they’ve had so far. The book is very well laid out and is told in Noel’s & Sue’s own thoughts throughout so it’s truly their story. You find yourself wondering how they coped, why they chose to have to many children and it’s very clear just how much they love having a big family. I particularly enjoyed finding out about their earlier life and their early struggles and the issues they have faced & how life is today for them. Just a really good read all through.

[Jenny Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and fascinating account of this extraordinary family! Though I still had some questions left unanswered! How do you prepare/cook food for over 20 people a day?! How do you keep on top of homework/school projects etc?! And, prior to appearing on tv etc, how did they afford it all!!

[Kathis_Leseecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

English below

Sprache des Buches: Englisch

Gekauft habe ich dieses Buch, da ich die Radfords von ihrem YouTube Kanal kenne und es spannend finde, wie sie mit ihrer Großfamilie leben. Denn Sue und Noel geben frei zu, dass sie süchtig danach waren Kinder zu bekommen. Das Resultat: eine Großfamilie mit 22 Kindern und einer stetig wachsenden Zahl an Enkelkindern.

In ihrem Buch beschreiben Sue und Noel ihre Liebes- und Familiengeschichte. Chronologisch erzählen sie von ihrem Kennenlernen und den Geburten der verschiedenen Kinder, aber auch von finanziellen Problemen, der Fernsehdokumentation über ihre Familie und der Geburt ihres Sohnes Alfie, der leider tot geboren wurde. Neben den Eltern kommen aber auch 21 Kinder zu Wort und erzählen über ihre Eltern. Zur besseren Orientierung gibt es am Ende noch eine Zeitleiste. Außerdem wird das Buch durch eine Reihe Bilder in der Mitte ergänzt.

Wer die Familie schon länger durch die Serie oder den Youtube Kanal kennt, wird vermutlich nicht mehr so viel neues erfahren. Meiner Meinung nach gibt das Buch aber einen tollen Überblick und bietet allen lesen eine tolle Story, in der Liebe und Familie über allem stehen.

I already follow the Radford Family on their YouTube channel. As I live in Germany, I can’t watch the series on Channel 5. So, this book gave me the chance to get some new information.

I liked how Sue and Noel tell their story. The reader can follow the story trough the years as the family grows. I like how open Sue and Noel are. My favourite part was all the children talking about their parents. They said so lovely things about them.

I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Charmaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to finish this one. I’ve always enjoyed watching Noel & Sue and reading the book was just lovely. I laughed and cried and it gave me a little reset. What I mean by that is whenever I watch Noel & Sue I always feel a bit happier and it was the same reading the book.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a viewer of their TV series, when I saw on the progreamme that they were writing a book, I knew I wanted to read it. Obviously not everything can be covered on TV, so I was intrigued to find out more about the couple as well as their family and the book didn't disappoint.

Written as if a conversation between Sue & Noel, the book takes you through how they first met, their lives before children - although that wasn't long seeing as Sue was pregnant at 13, a chapter about each child and gives great insights on their everyday life as well as struggles that no one would consider. For example, going out for a meal with 22 of them being in the party isn't as easy as just turning up or booking a hotel for a holiday.

I found it lovely to learn that they're just a normal couple - albeit with 22 children and 10 grandchildren (at the time of writing) - who have to deal with the everyday issues of life just like anyone else, but on a bigger scale.

They also have words for their critics, those who assume they live off benefits or don't have time for each child and as a family seem a really tight and supportive unit together, which is lovely to learn is true, as this comes across in their TV programme.

I really enjoyed reading this book and will be tuning into the new series on TV when it starts soon!

[Lauren Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that shares the highs and lows of family life.


I still find it hard to imagine how you manage day to day with that many kids. Things like: School parents meetings, dentist appointments , sports clubs, play dates etc are not really discussed and I wonder how this all worked.

Also Amazing no twin /triplet births.

I follow your family on YouTube and how you come across on camera is the same tone in the book. 👌

Wishing your family much happiness and continue making amazing memories with your beautiful family! ❤️

Would love you guys to make it out to Australia. 🦘

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this so much!

I love this family and have binged this amazing story. Amazing family to watch and they do such a great job of looking after such a large family. They work so hard and are just lovely genuine people. Hopefully we can continue on your journey with you all. Definitely recommend this book.

[Carol Cropp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I totally admire Sue and Noel and their dedication in bringing up their huge brood of children. Where they get the patience and time for each child is beyond me.

[Shannon Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I brought the book as I was curious as to what the family were up to these days as I've not watched the show or followed them since watching the show in 2012.

It was nice seeing what the family was doing and what they've done.

[c v cozens · Rating 5 out of 5]

very well done Radfords

Thoroughly enjoyed book and tv series which I have followed for years .You should all be very proud of a loving and caring family, A good example on how to successfully bring up a very big family.
Good luck to to you all👍🏻

[Rebecca Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book. A really good read, been following the family's journey for as long as I can remember. It's made it easier to know the order of everything and everyone and the stories of things that they have been through.

[Faith Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watch 22 kids and counting and follow the Radfords on social media and YouTube. They are lovely family and the love they have for each other makes me very happy. It was an absolute pleasure to read about their experiences, and I would recommend reading this book.

[Becky Swarbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed this family for years on social media and through they're tv programs it's nice to know a little bit more than just what all the journalists think. To know them all a bit more personally

[Nicola (Not Just Books) Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, having previously watched the family on Tv and their social media channels. I found it an easy read and liked hearing about their early days as a family before being on tv. They seem to be a lovely family who are grounded and work hard for what they want.

[Starre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing loved it ❤️

[Kj Betteridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 good book but didn't want to rate it as it is their story

[Faith Spinks · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a generally nosy person I found this book interesting, but not as much as I’d hoped for.

[Poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing to get even more insight to their goregous family and how life runs

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! As a fan of the family, the tv show and their social media, its a really nice interesting read into their daily lives and Sue and Noel’s childhood.

[Jade Brealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book easy read from start to finish enjoyed every bit of the book felt like I was actually sat there having a conversation with them

[Victoria Kerr-Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Emotional

[loz Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book, however after watching their tv series found something very much which had already been told via that.
Loved how everything was told by both sue and noel.

[Sharonnorbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely family

Love love love the uk biggest family
Watched them on tv which prompted me to buy the book
Lovely to get to know the family more

[Rachel Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished the book really enjoyable read getting to know a bit more about the radfords

[Sophie Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it