This is a passionate plea, on behalf of a colleague, John Iduwe, to anyone reading this appeal.

John and his wife lost their only child in January, this year, under very mysterious circumstances. The child was just 17 years old.

He was a good lad, in every way, and was preparing for his university entrance examination on a Saturday afternoon, when he decided to take a break and go to his church for rehearsals with his church choir members, in preparation for the next day's worship session.

Without any signs or warnings, the boy collapsed to the ground and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The loss of a close friend or family member is always a painful experience. However, the loss of an only child ...? Where are the words to describe the depths of such emotions ?

As John and his wife are still capable of having a child, albeit by assisted reproduction, I have taken it upon myself to launch this public appeal for funds to enable the bereaved couple have one more chance at being a parent again.

The amount of £3500 is approximately what is required for John and his wife to avail themselves of an assisted reproduction or IVF treatment.

I appreciate that these are financially difficult times that we find ourselves in. As a result, the target amount of £3500 may seem nigh on the impossible, but I am a believer in the old saying that "where there is a will, there is a way".

I have taken on this role as fundraiser with the full consent of John and his wife, after a deep discussion with them.

My thought is that helping John and his wife raise the required amount for the treatment, would be the biggest sympathy "card" and expression of condolence that they could possibly receive.

This fundraising account will be managed by John and his wife and they will be available to field questions from interested donors on their circumstances as well as progress of this appeal.