Tindle radio station Midlands 103 has awarded a couple from County Laois in Ireland who would like to become parents the gift of hope with a complete round of fertility treatment.
The local radio station launched a special partnership with specialists First IVF Ireland, running a campaign that culminated in a competition giving away fertility treatment worth more than €6,000.
Winners Denise Quinn and Syl Sexton were nominated not only by themselves but by 15 other people who knew them.
The couple, who met 17 years ago, have been together for nine years and trying for a baby for eight years. They researched IVF but always felt unable to afford it.
Talking about their journey in a pre-recorded interview with Midlands 103 managing director and presenter Will Faulkner and Dr David Walsh from First IVF, Denise explained: “We were only together a few months when we started talking about a family. I used to get very upset when it didn’t happen.”
The couple were overjoyed when they heard they had won the competition and have already booked their first consultation with First IVF. Syl commented: “Between getting married this year and this on top, that it just fantastic – absolutely!”
Denise added: “Thank you so much. I can’t thank you enough, I really can’t.”
Best wishes
Will Faulkner said: “You had so much support from so many people who believe you will be incredible parents if it happens.
“We heard of all the love you show to everybody else in your family, to all of your friends, and we are delighted that First IVF stepped forward and have offered this to you. Our best wishes go with you for the journey ahead.”
The competition formed part of an informative campaign led by the radio station on fertility that stretched over three weeks in March.
The Midlands Today show explored the possibilities of IVF in on-air discussions and featured an interview with IVF specialist Dr David Walsh, which was made into a video series for the station’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Listeners could nominate themselves or someone they knew for the competition, which received 150 entries.
The complete round of fertility treatment won by Denise and Syl includes everything from an initial consultation to egg collection, IVF or ICSI, embryo freezing and a pregnancy scan.