Abingdon woman helps childless couples by donating 88 eggs

Alex Webster, 31, embarked on her journey of egg donation in May 2020.

She has donated to four couples who are trying to start their own families.

Ms Webster was inspired to start donating when she found out about a friend's struggle to conceive due to a lack of donor eggs.

Ms Webster decided to donate in 2016 (Image: Alex Webster)

A medical writer by profession, Ms Webster said: "I’m possibly not geared for motherhood as much as some.

"Because there are women who need help creating their own families, this is where I can fit in.

"It seemed like a waste to me that I have these eggs and there are all these women out there who want to start families but can't.

"I can help them and I want to be able to help them if that means they can start the family they want."

The first steps of her journey began in 2016 when she learned of her friend's situation, and contacted TFP Oxford Fertility,

She said: "The experiences of my friends helped firm up my decision, all I needed now was to find the right time to donate.

"I chose TFP Oxford Fertility because it was the nearest clinic to where I live in Abingdon and the welcome was lovely.

"They’re grateful for donors and work hard to make people feel comfortable."

Ms Webster had to inject herself daily for 14 days to suppress her natural hormone production and to stimulate follicle production.

Ms Webster had 14 days of injections as part of the process (Image: Alex Webster)

She then had a scan to check that her natural cycle was fully suppressed.

In November 2022, the fertility clinic collected 42 eggs from Ms Webster, followed by a further 46 eggs eight months later.

Ms Webster said: "I needed a quiet weekend after the procedure because I felt some discomfort and was tired.

"The process is three weeks long but the long-term implications of a family being able to have a child is worth it.

Alex Webster (Image: Alex Webster)

"Even though I did need a quiet weekend after my first round, I went back eight months later to donate again."

As it stands, Ms Webster is undecided about donating more eggs.

She said: "For me, the consideration is that I have already helped four families and I don't know how many more I would like to help.

"I wouldn't say no but I am still thinking about it.

"I hope women who read this will be encouraged to donate or contact the fertility clinic to find out more about how they can help."