Around 50 women turned out for the launch of our Yorkshire Fertility Support Group.

The group has been started up by  Halifax mum Sarah Banks whose son was conceived after fertility treatment at CRH. She later went on to conceive a daughter naturally but wanted to offer some extra support for women undergoing treatment.

Our consultant Martin De Bono and sister Helen Marvell guested at the launch meeting at the Elsie Whiteley centre, Hopwood Lane. The group also has its own Facebook group.

Sarah said that in her experience extra support was needed alongside the treatment. She said she felt as she was the only one and it was good to chat when she met other women who were going through the same.

The guests included a mix of fertility patients, hospital staff, community workers and friends/family  and couples were sat around chatting to one another, sharing stories.

Sarah  introduced the event then talked through her story including why she  set up the group and how the group will run and its benefits.

Hannah Tramaseur from the Fertility Network UK spoke about the fertility network and how it helps people going through infertility.

Mr DeBono spoke about the importance of fertility groups and how the Trust will support the group.

Dr Ellissa Baskind from Leeds Teaching Hospital spoke about the history of infertility and how treatment has developed. She also talked through the IVF process (with videos of actual procedures) and showed pictures of their department.

Sarah, said: " All the talks were great and I've had feedback about how much people enjoyed them. They found them helpful and interesting, many from a point of view of realising they're not alone and they also enjoyed  finding out the science bit from Dr Ellissa.

"I have had feed back from couples that they already feel a bit better and less alone for just coming and speaking to others and hearing the stories."