Growing interest in the process of egg donation to help childless couples was highlighted when the Halifax Courier carried an appeal for Sharon and Gary Rushforth.

They had endured six years of unsuccessful fertility treatment and got in touch with the paper as a last-ditch attempt to make their dream of a child come true.

Fertility experts said their only hope was to find an egg donor – and as Sharon feared time was running out, she contacted the paper last February.

A number of potential donors came forward and their treatment went ahead on the NHS, with the result that Sharon is now 35 weeks pregnant and the couple’s baby is due on May 21.

The success of the paper’s campaign has been shown in the continued interest.

Staff at the Assisted Conception Unit at Calderdale Royal Hosopital said the Courier appeal for egg donors on behalf of the Rushforths had brought a good response and also benefited other childless couples.

Sharon and Gary are also hoping the news of their success – and imminent arrival – will encourage yet more potential egg donors to come forward.

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