A FAMILY is appealing for public support to help buy a bigger car after a mum-of-three discovered she was expecting triplets.

Jo and Ben Harp were happy to find out they were expecting a baby, due in March. The couple, who have moved into a new home in Uploders from Bridport, already have three children aged eight, 10 and 16 years old.

When the couple went for their first scan, they were shocked to discover they were expecting fraternal triplets - two boys and a girl.

The news came as a huge surprise.

Mrs Harp said: “I was very shocked. We have three already and it wasn’t exactly planned.

“We went for our 12-week scan and I said ‘that looks like two’, and the lady said it was actually three. I swore at her quite a lot.

“It was completely spontaneous - apparently there was a one in 8,000 chance of it happening.”

A typical family car just won’t be big enough for the Harps. The family needs the bigger vehicle in order to fit everyone in, including three car seats for the new additions.

Mrs Harp added: “Our youngest has autism so he is on a different schedule every day from everybody else.

“An eight-seater car will make all the difference in the world.

“You cannot get three car seats in the back of a regular car or a really big pushchair in the boot - so we really need this.”

Jo’s mother, Alison Tebbs, decided to rally support, setting up a Crowdfunding page to help the couple secure funding to buy a new and much bigger vehicle for the new additions and growing family.

Ms Tebbs said: “The odds on triplets happening naturally are huge so family and friends have all showed the same reaction - a dropped jaw.

“This happening is a complete life-changer. There was no way they could all fit their expanded family into their small house.”

She added: “They have found and moved into a privately let property which is a wonderful space. Its only drawback is that it is in Uploders so the logistics of school runs and the college bus for the eldest are challenging.

“Time is pressing because the most recent visit to the consultant resulted in an advanced delivery date so the babies should be here by the first of March.

“This is a life changing event for us all and we are looking forward to welcoming three beautiful new babies in no time at all.”

Mrs Harp has thanked family and friends for all their support so far.

She said: “My parents have been an incredible support through all of this.

“People have been amazing in helping us so far.

“I had to give up work early, due to the pregnancy and we need around £4,000 in total for an eight-seater.”

To support the campaign, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/transport-for-triplets