My plea for a surrogate mum:
JAMIE’S PLEA TO HELP MAKE HER DREAM OF BECOMING A MOTHER A REALITY
A COUPLE has launched an online crowdfunding appeal to pay for a surrogate to make their dream of becoming parents come true.
Jamie Potts and her partner Mike, who live in Eccles, Salford, long for a child of their own and have been trying to start a family for years.
But complications with Jamie’s health mean she is unable to carry a baby herself. Now, she has taken to the gofundme fundraising website to appeal for donations from the public.
The 36-year-old has been through two rounds of IVF, and both her and Mike, 26, have endured heartache after each attempt failed.
Last month, Jamie underwent her last procedure to harvest eggs.
One embryo was implanted, but just days later she lost it.
She now has two embryos left, and knowing she cannot carry them herself, is desperate to find a surrogate to carry them for her.
Jamie, who works in health and social care but took time off to focus on starting a family, was told by doctors she has tubal blockage in both fallopian tubes, an under-active thyroid, low AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) and a bicornuate uterus. She said that both she and Mike are desperate to start a family, and explained why they believe surrogacy is the way to help make their dream come true.
“To me, being a mum is as important as breathing,” Jamie said. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted since I was a little girl.
“Some people were born to be doctors, or nurses – I was born to be a mum.
“My sisters have children. I’ve nursed them, watched them grow, learn to walk and talk.
“It’s heartbreaking as all I want is a child of my own to share that with.”
Jamie says the couple went through their first round of IVF four years ago, with the most recent last month.
She added: “We have also looked into adoption, but we have been told that it is a last point of call. We have to explore every other avenue first.”
Jamie told the M.E.N. she accepts the fact not everyone will agree with to what they are doing. But she feels like they have no other option.
“It is a huge cost,” she said. “Especially as we want to do it properly through the Care Fertility Manchester clinic. We’ve looked at other options – there’s a fantastic Facebook group which helps IP’s [intended parents] to find surrogates without the fees, but it can take 12 months for you to find a person and build a friendship.
“I’m 36 now and time isn’t on my side.”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com