A WORCESTER man who endured a four-year battle to become a father is running the London Marathon to help others achieve the dream of becoming parents.
Craig McAllister, 30, and his 28-year-old wife Kat went through failed attempts at IVF treatment, including an ectopic pregnancy – when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb – before finally being blessed with daughters Mikaela and Lillie in April 2019.
Mr McAllister said: “Myself and my wife Kat had tried for children for three or four years before we started our IVF journey.
“We knew it could be difficult to have children naturally as Kat suffers from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
“In September 2018 we had an early scan and were overjoyed to discover we were expecting twins.
“We were in complete disbelief that finally, after such a difficult and traumatic journey, we could now look forward. Our beautiful daughters Mikaela and Lillie arrived on April 7, 2019, and our life has been transformed.
“Although a difficult journey, full of worry with so many competing emotions we are so thankful for the support we received.
“That’s why when I decided to run the London Marathon, I had to do it for Fertility Network, the UK’s leading patient fertility charity.
“It is an amazing charity, and with their support I have been lucky enough to secure a place in the London Marathon in 2021.
“This will enable me to raise awareness of infertility and funds to support the work the charity does to help more people on their fertility journey. I hope you will follow and support me on this too.”
Fertility Network chief executive Gwenda Burns said: "One in six couples experience the heartbreak of infertility.
"That’s someone on every street in the UK but far too many people struggle alone without help.
"Fertility Network is the leading patient-focused fertility charity and we are here to provide advice and support for every individual facing fertility problems, whatever stage of their fertility journey.
"We rely on donations to continue our work, please do donate to Craig’s fundraiser and help us."
You can donate at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CraigMcAllister3
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