We won the baby lottery - but other couples aren’t so lucky

Iwas 17 when I was told I’d never have children of my own. The doctor, not famous for his bedside manner, didn’t sugarcoat it.

Being from a big family, I’d always assumed I’d have two or three little ones but a misdiagnosed appendicitis and the resulting pelvic adhesions had put paid to that.

A kind nurse drew the curtains around my hospital bed so I could weep in partial privacy.

Of course, at that age the last thing on your mind is starting a family. I still had college, a career, and the business of having fun to sort out. But the shadow of infertility follows you around.

Back then, IVF was not as common as it is today and the success rates were worryingly low.

Fortunately, when I eventually embarked on IVF, I was living in London. This meant we were entitled to three rounds on the NHS, in the best fertility clinic in the UK.

Amazingly, it worked first time. But if I had lived in another postcode, it might have been a different story.

Scots mum Della McGill is an example of the lottery infertile couples play when they want to start a family. Eligible for just one attempt on the NHS, she only fell pregnant after winning IVF treatment in a Facebook competition.

If you turn to page 13 you’ll see Della with her precious prize – baby Callum – in her arms. She says she pinches herself to make sure she’s not dreaming.

Our son is about to turn six and every morning with him feels like Christmas.

I wish every couple embarking on the IVF journey could be as lucky.