A woman who is set to abseil from the roof of the QMC to raise money for NUH Life says staff at the fertility unit will have a place in her heart forever.
“Each and every one of the staff at the fertility unit have become a massive part of my life,” said Stacey Taylor. “I want to raise money for them to say thank you but also to help them continue giving couples their love, care and support.”
Stacey, 31, and her husband Darren discovered they couldn’t have children after six years of trying. Stacey was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The couple were referred to NUH Life in December 2019 and have been attending since February 2020.
“Since that very first appointment, I have been shown so much love and care in so many ways, and by every single member of staff,” said Stacey. “The first person I met was Nikki, the Fertility Sister, and her smile and beautiful personality shone through, and I automatically felt much calmer.
“I have also come across the lovely Lorraine and Dawn, and many other wonderful ladies.”
Stacey will be joining Nottingham Hospitals Charity’s The Big QMC Abseil on 17 September. She’s raised over £300 so far. Nottingham Hospitals Charity supports QMC, City Hospital, Ropewalk House and the Children’s Hospital and last year raised more than £4m to fund equipment, staff development and research.
“Every person who comes across this department will be blessed by these lovely women at one of the hardest times in their life. Believe me when I say they will make your journey easier. They will become your friends, your family, your councillors and your support network – and your nurse – all rolled into one. “
Stacey also wants to raise awareness about infertility. “There is so little understanding around it, and it is barely spoken about, “ she said.
“Because of this, the infertility community suffer alone, and feel so much shame. It is hard to come to grips with the fact that your body fails to do the most natural thing in the world, but it is even harder when you cannot speak about it openly.
“No one thinks infertility will happen to them; that attending a fertility clinic will become a part of their daily life. Fertility treatment will test you physically, emotionally and mentally in ways that you never thought possible.”
There have been times, over the past two years that Stacey has thought about giving it all up.
“It is hard to come to grips with the fact that your body fails to do the most natural thing in the world, but it is even harder when you cannot speak about it openly. I’ve cried many tears shopping for baby clothes for friends and family. I’ve avoided the baby aisles in supermarkets as it breaks my heart that I can’t buy nappies for my own baby, and every single time I pass the labour ward and antenatal centre my heart still sinks and I cry.
“I have felt confusion, anger, frustration, guilt and even shame over infertility; shame because infertility is still seen as something that cannot be spoken about, and with very little understanding. I have never been quiet about mine and my husband’s journey, because I don’t want anyone to feel the way I have felt at times.
“Having the support of Nikki and her team is the reason me and my husband are still on our journey. I’d have given up such a long time ago, because of the damage it can, and has done to my mental health at times. But knowing this team of amazing women will catch me every time I fall keeps me going.
“They will have a place in my heart forever. We don’t have a baby yet – and we may never get one – but I am so grateful that we got to share our journey with them.”
To support Stacey, please visit her Just Giving page. You can find out more about Nottingham Hospitals Charity here: www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk
