Jersey IVF parent 'empowered' by new fertility campaign

Chris CraddockJersey communities reporter

BBC Christina Gates is wearing a dark coat over a patterned blouse standing in a room with a fireplace and shelves displaying pottery and wooden boards. A large framed artwork with multi-coloured pieces is mounted above the fireplace. — Christina Gates shared her IVF journey as a solo parent for a new campaign

A Jersey mum who had her daughter through IVF has said she has been “empowered” by being part of a new fertility campaign in the island.

Christina Gates started treatment five years ago when she was 40 and had just experienced a difficult break-up. The charity, Tiny Seeds, helped her meet others in similar situations for support and she is now part of its new campaign.

Called Birds and the Bees, it focuses on encouraging more people to talk about fertility problems, the language people can use to help those struggling, and how men can open up about the issues they face.

Ms Gates said telling her story for the campaign had been “very nerve-wracking” but hoped that it would help others.

Ms Gates said she wanted to feature in the Birds and the Bees campaign to help others like herself

Sophie Darwin Christina Gates is seated on a wooden bench outdoors in a garden setting, wearing a light green shirt over a white top and light-colored pants. Trees and greenery are visible in the background. — Ms Gates said she wanted to feature in the Birds and the Bees campaign to help others like herself

Ms Gates is one of 17 people sharing their experiences in a series of videos for the campaign.

She said: “I hope that me opening up about it will make it easier for other people that are maybe in the space that I was three years ago.

“What I would like is for people to be able to talk about it more openly and to be able to share their stories and not feel like there’s a stigma attached to that.”

Derrick Bracken wants more men to feel able to speak about their fertility struggles

Derek Bracken is wearing a light-coloured patterned button-up shirt standing indoors in front of a shelving unit with decorative items, including wooden boards and ceramic containers. A framed artwork with colourful elements hangs on the wall behind. — Derrick Bracken wants more men to feel able to speak about their fertility struggles

Derrick Bracken has also talked about his experiences as part of the work with Tiny Seeds.

He was able to have two children with his wife through IVF but faced many challenges during that time and said men “definitely” needed to talk more about their struggles.

Mr Bracken said: “I couldn’t sit around with the lads having a pint and bring this conversation up.

“This is only going to get bigger and bigger, and more people will get involved so more people will get the help they need.”

Chloe Fosse started the Tiny Seeds charity five years ago

Chloe Fosse is wearing a black long-sleeve top with gold buttons standing indoors in front of shelves with decorative items such as pottery and wooden boards. A framed artwork with colourful details is visible on the wall behind. — Chloe Fosse started the Tiny Seeds charity five years ago

Chloe Fosse started Tiny Seeds in 2020 after experiencing her own fertility problems and struggling to find support in Jersey.

She said that fertility struggles “unfortunately are on the increase” and “more and more people in the future are going to need our help”.

Ms Fosse added: “It is hugely emotional and the toll it takes is devastating.

“You’ll see from those real stories shared in those videos – the impact that they have so often goes on behind closed doors and people need to be able to talk about it.”