New equipment is on the way for the Aberdeen Fertility Centre thanks to the fundraising efforts of an Aberdeenshire couple who wanted to say thanks for their ‘miracle’ baby.
Diane and John Buchan of St Fergus turned to the Fertility Centre for help after endometriosis - a painful condition which affects two million women in the UK - left Diane with fertility problems.
Now after going through IVF the couple are proud parents of little Carmen – who has just turned one year old.
And after undergoing another IVF cycle they are thrilled to have a second baby on the way.
John said: “It would have been impossible for us to become parents if it hadn’t been for the Aberdeen Fertility Centre and for that we will be forever in their debt.
“We feel very lucky to have one of the more than 500 babies that the Fertility Centre has brought into the world over the last 21 years.
“That’s why we organised our fundraising Miracle Ball which was held in Peterhead and attracted 170 people.
“Thanks to their tremendous generosity our event has raised almost £11,400 for the Fertility Centre which we hope will help it continue to give the miracle of life to other couples.”
Diane, John and Carmen will today (Monday, June 21) hand over a cheque to Alison McTavish, Nurse Manager at the Aberdeen Fertility Centre, which ispart of the University of Aberdeen’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology department.
Alison said: “The Aberdeen Fertility Centre is absolutely delighted that Diane and John have chosen to support us in this way.
“The money raised by their Miracle Ball will pay for a piece of equipment which is necessary for the retrieval of eggs. Currently we just have one of these suction pumps and therefore no back up should it break down.
“Our Assisted Reproduction Unit works hard to keep costs down for both self funded and NHS patients and donations like John and Diane’s are very much appreciated.”