Letchworth dad celebrates Fathers Day with son born after IVF treatment

Comet sports editor Damion Roberts with his son Barney, who was born following IVF treatment

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 7:04 AM

With dads across the area celebrating Fathers Day on Sunday, Comet sports editor Damion Roberts has spoken about the birth of his son thanks to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

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The 34-year-old and his wife Laura, who live in Letchworth GC, first sought the help of Bourn Hall Clinic in 2011 two years after it began NHS-funded treatment. Here Damion explains the experience through a fathers eyes.

We first discovered that the journey of having a baby was likely to be a difficult and long one in 2008. My wife Laura had undergone a laparoscopy and was diagnosed with severe endometriosis a common condition which can cause infertility although the reason why is not entirely clear.

After several years of trying unsuccessfully for a baby, my wife and I were referred to the Bourne Hall Clinic on the outskirts of Cambridge. This pioneering centre for IVF and fertility treatments offered a service of the highest standard right from the initial information session and consultation. Patients are treated as individuals and the staff make you feel that they want your treatment to succeed as much as you do.

In June 2011 Laura and I began our treatment. I was determined to be there for her throughout and to help in any way that I could, and to get a little healthier in doing so. This involved exercising more, changing my diet and saying goodbye to my beloved real ales. I was there through the highs and lows of the procedures, held her hand through all of the investigative scans and assisted with the injections.

To cut a long story short, we were amazed and delighted when, in August 2011, we discovered that our dream had come true and we were going to have our baby. In November 2011 following the news that I was going to become a father to a little boy, I quickly began making plans about the football club he was going to follow as well as all the adventures we were going to enjoy.

On March 29, 2012, our son Barney entered the world. While I helped to cut his cord and give him his first cuddle, I have never experienced feelings of such overwhelming joy. My little boy, here at last, thanks to the Bourne Hall Clinic and IVF.

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Letchworth dad celebrates Fathers Day with son born after IVF treatment