20 March 2017

Helen and Patrick Snodgrass with Stanley and Heidi.

A couple from North Shropshire who were told they couldn’t have children have written a poem to thank staff at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) for making their dreams come true.

Helen and Patrick Snodgrass, of Peplow, near Hodnet, say their lives were forever changed for the better due to the work and dedication of The Shropshire and Mid Wales Fertility Centre at RSH.

After four years, they have two beautiful children.

Helen, 41, said: “Going in to the department at the start of treatment was quite daunting but from the offset everyone in the team took the time to listen to us and learn about our situation.

“The process wasn’t without its difficulties but the kindness and care of all the staff was fabulous, and our dream came true on 3 June 2014 when Stanley was born weighing 10lbs and 11ozs.

A poem penned by Helen and Patrick Snodgrass to thank the Shropshire and Mid Wales Fertility Centre. Click on the picture to read the poem.

“Two years later and our family was completed with the arrival of Heidi, who weighed 7lb and 11oz when she entered the world on 3 August 2016. The team at the centre have been incredible and we can’t thank them enough.”

Helen and Patrick, 35, who together run farmer buying groups, were supported on their journey by family and friends and have since donated £600 to the Hope for Life Fund, which is organised by a group of past and present patients of the Fertility Centre. The fund aims to help to improve the facilities and equipment available to the centre.

Helen added: “The money was raised at our Christmas dinner by a group of local farmers who are all part of our buying groups; Border Farmers, Maryvale Farmers and Wrexham Dairy Group.

“Patrick works with the local farmers every day and they have been great to us. They have known about our struggles throughout and really supported us every step of the way.”

Jason Kasraie, Consultant Clinical Embryologist, said: “We’re delighted to hear the kind words about our department and are really pleased that Helen and Patrick felt their experience of our service was so good.

“The poem is a lovely gesture and brought a smile to all of our faces when we read it. The kind donation will also help to support the excellent work of the Hope for Life Fund.”