Case Studies
Kind friend stops body clock dilemma
Koko Mookherjee has always loved children, and as language teacher and head of year at a secondary school, she has been surrounded by them all her working life. But as she approached her mid thirties she became concerned that she would never have a child of her own.
"The biological clock was ticking and I just hadn't found 'Mr Right," she explains. "I knew that there is a shortage of sperm donors so I thought it was just not going to be possible."
"Then my dearest and closest best male friend volunteered to be a donor and I thought this might be my only chance to have a baby."
Koko went to get checked out at the Oaks Hospital and found to her dismay that she had a large fibroid. The hospital operated, and then she had to wait until she was fully recovered before fertility treatment could start.
She then went to the Isis Fertility Centre for IVF, which has now become part of the Bourn Hall Clinic group.
"I was so fortunate; it was really success against all odds. They only managed to retrieve one egg, so I had just one embryo. But it all worked and now I have my beautiful baby boy, Leo."
Miss Mookherjee was the first person at the clinic to have a known donor conception. The advantage of using a regulated clinic is that the legal parenthood of the baby is very clear and consent forms are signed and agreed in advance. This prevents any later misunderstandings or confusion.
"I am very grateful to my dear friend, who really was 'Mr Right', he adores his son and is a regular and vital part of our lives. It is amazing really that it all worked out."
Miss Mookherjee is full of praise for her treatment at Isis and was delighted to hear that this friendly clinic will continue as part of Bourn Hall.
"IVF is emotionally intense so being able to get to appointments easily is a benefit. I am sure that Bourn Hall will invest resources in the clinic and this will be good for all the patients."
Bourn Hall has its own sperm bank, and has an egg and sperm donor programme. Anyone interested in becoming a donor is warmly invited to get in contact on 01954 719111.
