A family has shared heartfelt thanks to teams across CHFT after receiving exceptional, compassionate and inclusive care during the birth of their son, Myles, via surrogate.

Jason Lambert-Sykes and his husband James welcomed Myles Jack Lee Lambert-Sykes on 21 January 2026 and say the support they received throughout their surrogacy journey made a lasting impact.

Despite living outside the immediate catchment area, the couple chose CRH following research into local maternity services.

Jason said: “All three of us were anxious before our first appointment, but that changed straight away. The team took time to understand our situation, our wishes and what support we needed.”

Jason paid particular tribute to midwives Carol Sarr and Paula Dickinson, whose leadership and personalised approach helped shape the family’s experience.

“Carol and Paula were exceptional. They made sure not only our surrogate, Sarah, but also our newborn son and us as a family, were supported throughout the entire process.”

Jason explained that the journey required careful coordination to ensure both the surrogate’s wishes and the couple’s role as parents were respected at every stage.

“Every single professional we met had read our notes and understood our situation. Not once did anyone slip up. It really showed how seriously they took it.”

Support was provided across the antenatal scanning team, Birth Centre, theatre team, recovery staff, and the Ward 4 maternity team, with Jason highlighting the consistent professionalism and compassion shown throughout.

“From the sonographers performing the scans to the theatre team and the midwives on Ward 4, everyone provided outstanding care.”

Jason said the understanding shown towards their surrogate was particularly meaningful.

“What stood out the most was the professionalism and unwavering support for our surrogate. At no point did we feel judged or uncomfortable.”

Respecting the surrogate’s preferences - including her wish for anonymity and how she was addressed - was handled with sensitivity by all teams involved.

“Every decision our surrogate made was respected. That was incredibly important to all of us.”

When Myles was born by planned caesarean section, the theatre and Birth Centre teams ensured both dads were fully included in the experience, including immediate skin-to-skin bonding time.

“In theatre the staff were incredible. They accommodated our situation and made us feel completely comfortable.”

Jason also praised the care provided on Ward 4, where staff ensured the surrogate received private, non-judgemental post-operative care.

The support continued beyond birth, with personalised discharge planning helping Jason and James feel confident as new parents.

“We were told we could stay as long as we needed. That reassurance made a huge difference.”

Reflecting on the experience, Jason said the compassion shown across maternity services will stay with their family forever.

“There was no judgement at all - just kindness and understanding. We need to sing from the rooftops about the experience we’ve had. It was faultless.”

Jason and James hope sharing their story will help shape future pathways for male same-sex couples using surrogacy.

“We hope our experience helps other families and highlights the outstanding care provided by the team.

“The professionalism, compassion and dedication of everyone involved has made a lasting impact on our lives. We will forever be grateful.”