Liz's Story

10 years ago I heard Kim Cotton being interviewed on the radio. She was talking about her experiences as a surrogate. This was something I had been considering for many years, and finally I was in a good position to look into it more deeply.

Spurred on by her enthusiasm I started researching on the internet and talking to my family. They knew this was something I had talked about often, but I don't think they realised how determined I was!
I came across a surrogacy organisation and they gave me details of couples looking for a surrogate. I chose one couple and called them, I was extremely nervous but soon we were chatting like old friends…

Our 1st transfer worked and 9 months later they has a son, after 20 years of trying!
I was concerned how I would feel after the birth but it was fantastic, when I handed their baby back to them I felt such pride in myself and what the three of us had achieved.
I tried to settle back in to normal life, but I kept thinking of the family I had helped create and how so many peoples lives had been changed.

A few months later I again contacted the organisation, and was sent more details….I was concerned that I would not be able to find such a great couple again, but I was wrong.
My 2nd couple had suffered 11 miscarriages and had finally been told to give up and accept their childlessness. We met and again I felt we were a perfect match. This time it took 4 attempts but finally their daughter was born, again there was the elation at the birth and the feeling of accomplishment and joy.

Ok, I told myself, enough is enough. I became more involved with the support of other surrogates and giving information online. Through an American website SMO I met a wonderful British lady who had just lost her unborn son in a car crash. We spent hours emailing back and forth, after a few weeks we arranged to meet at a local infertility clinic on their new patient info day.

Within 10 minutes of chatting face to face I was offering to be their surrogate…hang on, wasn't I retired?
Again we were lucky and the 1st transfer worked, this time my children were present at the birth and they were totally awestruck. They have always been supportive, but I think seeing the baby with his mum just seconds after he was born was wonderful for them. My eldest daughter actually said to me
"Mum, I know you always say how special it is, but now I really understand"

I am just starting out on my 4th and final arrangement……my life has been so enriched by surrogacy, I realise I am far stronger than I ever knew, and I CAN make a difference in this world.