recipient story: My adorable miracle baby

“I was put in touch with Karen in August 2023 by my consultant,  Dr Abraham Francis at Care Fertility, Nottingham. 

Dr Francis had received an email from Karen the very morning of my first consultation. This was to explore the possibility of my having a baby, as I was in my late 40s and had no partner (my dating experiences were quite disappointing!). I was doubtful to say the least, and expected to be told it was too late and that sperm donors were on the decline. 

I was advised that I would also have to use an egg donor. Asian egg donors are so rare, and I knew I was looking at a White baby. I didn’t care, I just wanted to be a mum. But it would be great to have someone who looked a little like me …

It seemed serendipitous that Karen happened to have Asian sperm donors available. I felt that maybe, just maybe, there was something in the ether looking over me. 

I realised that I still had an awful long way to go on the IVF journey. This was a one time only, last chance saloon opportunity. I had to take it. 

From the beginning, Karen has been an empathetic, reassuring, proactive advocate who I also consider a friend. Throughout the process she has kept in touch and treated me with respect, kindness and compassion.

As well as facilitating the choosing and delivery of the donor sperm, she ensured that all of the paperwork was completed on time. And when there was a delay in the process by another department, she took personal responsibility to ensure that it all went smoothly. I was on such tight deadlines, every week mattered and she understood that. She even sought advice on my behalf at a later date when I had a suspected polyp one week before embryo transfer and it was incredibly scary to envisage the potential medical procedure. It was great to speak to someone who genuinely cared.

Fast forward to January 2025, and my son was born. My adorable miracle baby. 

I have a beautiful baby as a result of the work of the Care Fertility team in Nottingham and Karen at NUH Life pulling out all the stops.

I am eternally grateful and have already shared her details with a friend who has been inspired to follow in my footsteps. I have no hesitation in recommending Karen, as she is a credit to her department and wish her every success in the future.