In my early twenties, like 1 in 4 women before me, I lost a baby. It was a terrible thing to go through, but I did believe that my time would come. Sadly, over the next 15 years I lost 3 more babies, one of which I gave birth to at 5 months. During each pregnancy I have also unfortunately suffered from severe continuous sickness or hyperemesis - affecting only 1% of women and resulting in dehydration and hospitalisation.

After my fourth pregnancy I was referred to specialists, where after extensive tests and investigative operations I was referred for IVF. Sadly I did not respond to treatment at all, and it became apparent that I was peri-menopausal, and my own eggs could not be used. This affects 8 in 100 women under the age of 40. I have had to come to terms with not being able to have my own biological children, but I did have the option of egg donation IVF. This was not NHS funded, and after much research I chose to go to a Spanish IVF clinic as there is less waiting time. I started the process in August, and from 13 eggs retrieved from my donor, after tests and growth I have 3 healthy embryos ready for implantation. The transfer is set for Valentine's Day.

I have already spent in excess of £13000 on this process, and am looking for help with the last remaining costs - £2000 for further meds, scans and the freezing of the final 2 embryos in case the transfer fails.
I am reluctant to just ask for the donations and so I am proposing to walk the 102 miles of the Cotswold Way the week before I travel to Spain - as a personal challenge and a way of providing a reason to 'sponsor' me. I will update everyone as to my progress and would love people to walk alongside me for a section of the hike! If I manage to exceed my funding target I would make a donation to the baby loss and bereavement charity SANDS.

I am grateful for any support you can give me. Your donation means that you have been part of possibly creating a new life. Thanks in advance, Rebecca. Xxx