A COUPLE who spent more than £100,000 on IVF treatment, have finally had their miracle baby on the eighth attempt.

Sarah Francis, 33, spent almost a decade going through painful and expensive procedures so she could realise her dream of becoming a mum.

Now, as they cradle their healthy daughter Evie, Sarah, and husband Darren, 38, have a message of hope to other couples in their situation – never give up.

Sarah said: “We were told we would never have a child. It just wasn’t working. Despite test after test, we just weren’t given a reason why.

“After trying naturally for a year with no luck we started IVF in 2000.

“After seven failed tries we were told ‘there’s no more we can do for you’.”

In a last-ditch attempt the couple, of Flemming Farm Road, Eastwood, were referred to a clinic near Harley Street, London.

Sarah, an account correspondant for a sports company, added: “I had to have a blood test which involved 18 vials of blood taken from me, which then got sent to Chicago Medical Centre in America.

“The result came back that my immune level was so high my own body was killing the embryo.

“It was ironic because the condition means I never get ill because I have such a strong immune system, but it was attacking the very thing I wanted the most in the world.”

After another bout of IVF the couple were called to the clinic to see if it had worked this time.

Sarah remembered: “We were told to go away for a few hours while they looked at the results.

“Darren and I went to Oxford Street to try to keep busy.

“Suddenly, in the middle of the street the phone rang. We both looked at each other. I answered, expecting the worst and the clinician on the other end said ‘it’s positive’.

“I can’t describe the emotion that welled up inside me. We didn’t say anything to each other. We walked back to the car in silence and just both burst into tears.

“I still get tearful now when I remember the joy of that day.”

Little Evie was born at Southend Hospital on November 23, weighing 5lbs 15oz.

Sarah said: “I’ve saved the receipts to give Evie on her 18th birthday to show her how much she cost us!

“I know families who have been torn apart because of failed IVF.

“I felt like a failure. I even said to my husband ‘I understand if you leave me’. But he was always amazingly supportive and I never felt like I was going through it all alone. We want people going through the same thing to know there can be a happy ending. Just don’t give up.”