Sophie & Bertie are 28 and 29. Sophie is a nurse who works with newborn babies and their families, and Bertie is a civil servant. They are in the process of trying to get pregnant, which in their exceptional circumstances will require IVF treatment.

In August 2017, following pelvic pain, Sophie underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy which revealed only one ovary and fallopian tube, the cause of which is unknown. Further testing on the remaining ovary has shown that the ovarian reserve is extremely low.

We have been seen by the fertility team at our local hospital who have advised us that we need IVF treatment to remove and store the eggs left as soon as possible. If we waited for the two years that are required to be funded by the NHS, we would be out of time.

Having researched IVF, our plan is not to store all the eggs for the future, but to use our current strengths - being relatively young! - to boost the likelihood of the IVF being a success.

We feel that the discussion around fertility is not as good as it could be, often instead hiding away from the pain that is caused from fertility problems, miscarriage, still-births and more. This is why we are being open and honest about our journey, and encourage you to start a conversation with those around you (or us) about the real life messiness that is having a baby.

Because we have no time to prepare for the IVF treatment, and therefore save, we are in the situation that requires us to ask for donations from family, friends, and other charitable people.

Please help in any way you can. We will be doing specific fundraising activities in the coming weeks.