Paula and Andrew Smith, of Park Road, are "beyond belief", say judges (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Paula and Andrew Smith, of Park Road, are "beyond belief", say judges

5:30pm Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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A REMARKABLE couple who overcame infertility, a brain tumour, disability and bereavement to give a loving home to two children have won a national competition.

Paula and Andrew Smith, aged 42, have been hailed Britain’s most ‘fantastic family’, reflecting the spirit of the new ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ film.

The movie, based on a story by Roald Dahl, features a family overcoming difficult times.

Dahl’s wife, Felicity, one of the judges, said of the Smiths: “Their example was beyond belief.”

They will receive £100 of Sainsbury’s groceries every week for a year.

“It’s nice to be recognised,” said Paula, of Park Road, Widnes.

“We’ve saved like mad for a new kitchen so we were watching our pennies.”

Paula had two ectopic pregnancies when she was only 25 and told she could never have children.

“It was daunting and devastating,” said Paula, a dinner lady at St Bede’s RC Junior School.

“I suffered so much pain. I was 14 weeks pregnant.”

They then had five unsuccessful attempts at IVF.

“In the middle of this, Andrew found out he had a tumour on the front of his brain,” said Paula.

“It was difficult but we got through it.”

Andrew was born with a club foot and endured countless operations as a child.

He defied doctors who warned he would never walk.

He developed a second tumour but recovered and returned to work as a technician at Pentagon Fine Chemicals in Halebank.

“We didn’t want to live our lives without children,” said Paula.

In 2001, they adopted 16-month-old Lewis, who was born with developmental problems.

“I had to be with him constantly, he struggled,” said Paula.

“He now gets a lot of support from his teachers at Brookfields Special School. He loves swimming and is making progress.”

They adopted Lewis’ sister, Katie, when she was only five-months-old.

“We thought it was a shame for Lewis to be an only child,” said Paula.

“I lost my mum and dad when Katie was two, which was very difficult, but we are so glad our lives are not empty.

“The children keep us going.

“Andrew has been really fantastic, working through his disability.

“He had a hip replacement three years ago. He’s been through so many problems yet he has such patience, good nature and personality, he’s passed it on to me .

“We’re a strong little package, nothing can get us down.

“We’re a fun loving family.”

Fantastic Mr. Fox is available now on Blu-ray Triple Play Edition and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.