Surrogacy Awareness Week 2024

This journey began when her mother’s partner tragically had to undergo a hysterectomy due to severe endometriosis. It was then that Jemma spontaneously offered to help, assuming that her own fertility could be a source of hope. With three children of her own, all of whom she had conceived without difficulty, Jemma believed she could assist others in a similar, straightforward manner. Little did she know, this was just the tip of an enlightening iceberg.

Tragically, the medical team was unable to salvage any eggs from her mother’s partner, dealing a heartbreaking blow to the family. However, this setback sparked a change in Jemma’s mindset. While she was unable to assist her mother’s partner directly, she realized she could potentially help other families in their journey to parenthood.

Jemma’s desire to aid led her to Altrui, a company that matches egg donors with recipients. A poignant review from a local woman named Rena, who had donated her own eggs to a couple, caught her eye. On a whim, Jemma reached out, unknowingly sowing the seeds of a deep, enduring friendship and an incredible shared journey through surrogacy.

Her first egg donation was an emotionally fulfilling experience for Jemma, but it left her yearning for a deeper connection with the recipients. This longing led her to discover SurrogacyUK, a non-profit organisation that champions friendship-based surrogacy. The more she immersed herself in the organisation, the more she found herself drawn to its mission and values.

Following in Jemma’s footsteps, Rena joined SurrogacyUK and has since brought two surrogate babies into the world. Reflecting on their shared journey, Jemma feels profoundly grateful for that initial message she sent to Rena; it set in motion a story of love, friendship, and the creation of life that might not have unfolded otherwise.

Jemma’s surrogacy journey has not only enriched her life but has also had a profound impact on her children and extended family. The experience has brought numerous close friendships into their lives, creating a network of love and support around them.

In the previous year, Jemma was deeply moved to be nominated for two surrogacy awards: the Recognition Award and Contribution to Surrogacy. Winning both awards brought her immense joy, serving as validation of the positive impact she had made within the surrogacy community.

A source of inspiration to Jemma, Sarah Taylor Jones, someone she had long admired, is now her boss, a twist of fate that fills her with awe. Jemma expresses profound gratitude to SurrogacyUK for the support they’ve given her throughout her surrogacy journeys and for the faith they’ve shown in her, allowing her to play a part in running the organisation.

Jemma extends her heartfelt thanks to all the couples she has assisted, treasuring the trust they placed in her to help bring their precious children into the world. Their happiness fills her heart, making her surrogacy journey all the more rewarding. And to SurrogacyUK, a huge part of her life, she expresses her deepest gratitude for providing her with the platform to make such a meaningful difference.