Brian pays tribute to his sister and surrogate, Aoife
BRIAN Dowling has paid a beautiful tribute to his sister and surrogate Aoife, following the birth of Brian and Arthur Gourounlian’s daughter.
Their first baby came into the world on September 1, via Aoife, who acted as the couple’s surrogate, with the pair naming her Blake Maria Rose Dowling Gourounlian.
TV presenter Brian thanked his sister on Instagram for giving him and professional dancer Arthur ‘the gift of life’. ‘[Aoife] you are an absolutely incredible human,’ he wrote. ‘From our first jokingly conversations about [surrogacy] back in 2015 when you moved in with us in London, to our more serious chats about it in January 2021 in the middle of the pandemic...
‘This has been in the works for years. But everything happens when it’s supposed to and for us, everything really clicked. Your dedication and focus has been out of this world. You have also put yourself out there publicly for everyone to voice their opinions about this & you never faltered.’
Brian and Arthur documented their surrogacy journey and added that ‘vile messages’ they received only encouraged them to be more open. He added of his sister: ‘You glided through your pregnancy with such joy and elegance, and overcame obstacles in your way medically or otherwise.
‘Just when we thought we couldn’t be in awe of you any more, you handled our delivery day last Thursday, September 1, like a boss. You aren’t just my sister or Arthur’s sister-in-law, you are an angel and also our best friend. You deserve the world and everything you desire.
‘We love you, Aoife Dowling, you are our queen and long may you reign.’