Southport couple's desperate plea to help fund IVF baby after years of heartbreak

A couple who have endured an agonizing few years in their determination to become parents are asking for the public's help.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Natalie, 40, and Matt Harris, 28, have experienced two miscarriages, two ectopic pregnancies, one chemical pregnancy and three failed IVF treatments during their nine year relationship.

During their heart-wrenching journey, the couple has also had to deal with the death of Natalie's dad, Matt's grandad, and their dogs Hugo and Harvey.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But fuelled by their determination to become loving parents, they have now made the difficult decision to ask for the public's help to raise £8,000 to secure one cycle of IVF treatment.

A GoFundMe appeal has been set up to help secure IVF treatment for Natalie and Matt Harris.A GoFundMe appeal has been set up to help secure IVF treatment for Natalie and Matt Harris.
A GoFundMe appeal has been set up to help secure IVF treatment for Natalie and Matt Harris.

"Being able to raise the funds we need for another cycle of IVF treatment would mean the absolute world to us. It’s what we have been working towards for the last seven years," Natalie said.

"The majority of our relationship has been built on trauma, baby loss, IVF and infertility. It has made us stronger as a couple.

"We have never asked for help or support and didn't want to, but we are desperate."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Natalie, from Warwickshire, and Matt, from Southport, met each other in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2012.

"The majority of our relationship has been built on trauma, baby loss, IVF and infertility. It has made us stronger as a couple.""The majority of our relationship has been built on trauma, baby loss, IVF and infertility. It has made us stronger as a couple."
"The majority of our relationship has been built on trauma, baby loss, IVF and infertility. It has made us stronger as a couple."

During the first three years of their relationship, Natalie had two miscarriages and was subsequently diagnosed with thyroid disease and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in 2015 - a condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work, including irregular periods, excess androgen and polycystic ovaries.

In 2017, Natalie had her first ectopic pregnancy - when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb.

Following numerous tests and operations it was discovered one of her fallopian tubes had been damaged, meaning it would have to be clipped.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Just two years later in 2019, Natalie had another ectopic pregnancy, but this time their baby had a heartbeat.

The couple has experienced two miscarriages, two ectopic pregnancies, one chemical pregnancy and three failed IVF treatments.The couple has experienced two miscarriages, two ectopic pregnancies, one chemical pregnancy and three failed IVF treatments.
The couple has experienced two miscarriages, two ectopic pregnancies, one chemical pregnancy and three failed IVF treatments.

However, doctors tragically agreed Natalie was in a life-threatening situation, and her baby and second fallopian tube would have to be removed - a procedure which would make it almost impossible for her to become pregnant again naturally.

As they mourned the loss of their baby, Natalie's father died just five weeks after her operation following a short battle with bowel cancer, leaving her mental health at "breaking point."

The couple's friend, Kellie Barnett, who has organised the fundraiser on behalf of the couple, said: "They have been through more heartbreak than most go through in their entire lives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Anyone that knows my good friend Nat will know how much heartbreak she has endured.

"All she has ever wanted since being a little girl is to be a mum."

Natalie says after watching the couple's despair, and the failure of all three IVF treatments, she now wants to support her best friends in their journey to becoming a mum and dad.

She added: "I am asking for everyone’s help in this. Please donate what you can. If you can’t donate then please share and be a part of making this couple's dreams come true.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"If anyone deserves to be parents it’s these two wonderful people."

To help raise money for Natalie and Matt, donate to their GoFundMe page by clicking HERE.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.