Since I was a little girl, I dreamt of a fairy-tale ending, of growing up and falling in love, settling down and starting a family S of my own. When I was eight, my parents split up but instead of making me afraid of relationships and commitment, it only made me want it more. Playing with my doll's house, there was always a mum, dad and lots of children in my games, and, perhaps somewhat naively, I always just assumed that ideal family set-up would come true for me one day. But, of course, real life isn't like a fairy story and throughout my 20s and 30s one failed relationship seemed to follow another.
I turned to online dating apps in the hope of finding someone I envisaged a future with. But every time, it ended in heartache and I'd call my mum, Jackie, in tears. Mum always comforted me and while she was well meaning, telling me it would happen when I least expected it, I didn't believe her.
Bittersweet
It was painful watching my friends start families and share their children's milestones with pride. I hated being jealous, but I was, and it became increasingly harder to be around them. It only served as a reminder of what I didn't have, and I isolated myself more and more over the years.
But I never let go of my dream to hold a baby in my arms one day and by the time I was 36, I knew I had to try something different. My longing for a little one was only getting stronger, and I realised I didn't need a man in order to become a mother. I searched online for information about using donor sperm but it was clear I couldn't afford the cost of IVF in the UK. So, in March 2017, I travelled to Ukraine for tests.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 18, 2023 من WOMAN - UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 18, 2023 من WOMAN - UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Worried about ringing in the ears?
WOMAN'S GP DR HELEN WALL ON HER TOPIC OF THE WEEK
WHY CHARLES IS DETERMINED TO CELEBRATE
King Charles is expected to travel by carriage during his Trooping the Colour official birthday celebrations, rather than on horseback as he did last year.
Anything but FOOTBALL!
With four weeks of the Euros coming up, catch up with these box sets
15 ways TO SLEEP BETTER
Here’s how to get your 40 winks, whatever the weather
Is National Service A GOOD THING?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plans for all 18-year-olds has left the country divided
Does RED make you more attractive?
After years of wearing black Rowena Becker decided to see just how much of an impact colours have on how we are perceived
RUTH & EAMONN - What's really going on?
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes’ divorce may be about to get messy, according to insiders.
Prince Harry is IN AWE OF MY BOY
Despite his extremely rare condition, Ufuoma Anighoro's son Ruky is a true inspiration
Your BEST BUM EVER!
Look and feel great this summer with our glute-strengthening exercise guide
'Piers HELPED ME'
Susanna Reid on leaving Good Morning Britain, gaining confidence and putting family first