Supermum: ‘We’ve had 13 kids and never claimed benefits – it can be done’

Tracy Lewis admits having a large family is hard work but she wouldn't have it any other way

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by Closer staff |
Published on

Supermum Tracy Lewis has an incredible 13 children but has always worked and refuses to rely on benefits.

The 51-year-old and her mechanic husband Pete, 55, have struggled financially with so many mouths to feed but survived by “scrimping and saving."

Now she says her brood, aged 12 - 31, are all hardworking because they have followed the good example set by their industrious parents.

And despite six of her children having left home, Tracy - who starts work at 5.30am in a petrol station before doing the school run - is busier than ever helping look after her 13 grandchildren.

The Lewis' with some of their grandchildren

In May, Closer told how mum of 10 Mandy Cowie, 49, who already had 16 grandchildren, hadn’t worked for 30 years.

She claims £22,000-a-year and six of her children are on benefits too. Shamelessly, she said: “If It’s on offer, who wouldn’t take it?” And last month a mum of 14 made headlines insisting she deserved the £70K a year benefits she’s estimated to claim.

However, last week the government announced the maximum benefits a family can receive per year will be capped at £23K, down from £26K - with Tracy applauding the move.

She says: “I think large families who aren’t prepared to work should have their benefits cut, otherwise their children will just follow their example.

“These people give large families a bad name. People assume we rake in benefits - it’s so annoying! We're too proud.

"We chose to have lots of children but don’t expect the taxpayer to support us. We’ve worked hard and taught our children to do the same.

"My older kids all work - I’ve brought up a family of grafters and that will be passed down to the next generation."

Read Closer magazine for the rest of this story, out today

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