Surrogacy Awareness Week 2024

Marie’s journey towards becoming a surrogate started after giving birth to her first child, Phoebe. Sharing her eagerness for experiencing the miracle of birth again with her midwife, she was introduced to the idea of surrogacy. That conversation planted the seed of a beautiful journey that she would embark on nine years later.

Fuelled by the inspirational story of her close friend from Scotland who turned to adoption as surrogacy wasn’t an option, Marie felt a call to action. She took a decisive step, heading to SurrogacyUK’s website, where she filled out her application, marking the start of her surrogacy journey.

Deciding to become a surrogate was a profound moment for Marie, akin to a ton of bricks falling on her. It was a moment she had been anticipating, signalling the perfect time to embark on this incredible journey.

Marie’s first encounter with her Intended Parents (IPs), Ryan and Cesar, came through reading their diary on SurrogacyUK’s online platform, ‘The Hub.’ Their heartfelt story elicited an intense emotional response from Marie, and she felt an irresistible urge to help them. She knew that a couple capable of stirring such intense emotions through a diary entry had to be exceptional. Following a couple of days of diligent stalking and assistance from her support worker, she initiated contact with them.

Marie’s current IPs, Jad and Craig, also caught her attention through their diary on ‘The Hub.’ Their bond blossomed organically into an amazing friendship, and she knew immediately that they were the next couple she wanted to assist.

One of Marie’s favourite moments in surrogacy is just after birth when the parents finally meet their baby. Seeing them connect and bond fills her heart with unutterable joy and love. These moments play back in her mind like a heart-warming film, making the surrogacy journey incredibly worthwhile.

Marie, Ryan and Cesar continue to maintain a beautiful relationship post-delivery. They share a morning ritual of sending greetings to each other, a tradition that amusingly continued even when they were sitting next to each other after the birth.

As Marie reflects on her surrogacy journey, the joy of completing Ryan and Cesar’s family with the birth of their little boys, Vincent in 2021 and Douglas in 2023, fills her heart with pride.

Although the IVF process was tough, the support and love from Ryan, Cesar, and her own family made it a smooth experience. Her pregnancies were enjoyable experiences and offering the gift of parenthood to two incredible fathers was an unmatched high for Marie.

She acknowledges the unwavering support she received from SurrogacyUK throughout her journey and is now a part of the support team, assisting other surrogates in their journeys.

Marie’s story is a beautiful testament to the joys of surrogacy, the highs and lows, the friendships formed, and the unforgettable memories created. It’s a story of unwavering determination, love, and the incredible experience of giving the gift of family.