I have just returned from the meeting and write this while my three children born from donor eggs sleep!

I have not previously attended any meeting but what liberating experience to be able to talk freely among like-minded people. There were very useful exchanges of ideas, experiences and views. I found it humbling and moving to meet those who are tireless in their quest for the gift of eggs. This re-inforced my belief (not that one was really needed) about how very fortunate my husband and I are to have three wonderful but exhausting children!

I enjoyed Ken's' talk, although previously I have always told our children that they are very special I fully accept the point that children do not like to be different. It was true and poignant for me when he mentioned the Catholic Church's view of children who are regarded as a gift from God. As a (lapsed) Catholic it is a view I strongly hold, and St Jude the patron saint of Hopeless Cases and Lost causes is my favourite saint to whom I have prayed a good deal. It seemed for some years my chances of mother hood were bleak. Our son James 3rd name is Jude in acknowledgement of the link (whether he will thank me for the name as he grows older is a matter for conjecture!)

It was lovely to see the children of people attending - especially the babies who still make me feel maternal! And of course those who were pregnant.

I hope an pray that next year some of those desperately wanting to be parents have achieved their goal. If perseverance and tenacity resulted in children there would be legion amongst the group!

Also a heartfelt thank you to Walter and Olivia who with others started such a wonderful group for which there is clearly such a need.