The Fertility Foundation: The charity advocating for change

Navigating fertility treatments can be a minefield. For those with lower-incomes, or self-funding treatments it can become a real financial strain. That’s where organisations such as The Fertility Foundation come in. They play a vital role in the funding process, providing for those that need it most, and advocating for change within the industry. We sat down with Tone, co-founder of the charity to find out a more about how they got started, and their most memorable milestones to date.

Tell us about your story and how you came to start The Fertility Foundation. 

In 2015 while running a magazine called Fertility Road, we launched the first free global fertility programme called Fertility Journeys to help people gain access to fertility treatment they would never have been able to afford. 

This led us to set up The Fertility Foundation Charity to broaden our remit in helping others struggling with lack of funding or resources to turn to.

Can you tell us a little about who you help and how?

Essentially, we are a grant giving charity focused on low-income couples and individuals who may not have access to NHS-funded treatment, or have been unsuccessful in the past. 

This is especially important for single women and same sex couples who mostly have to self-fund. We’re expecting our first baby in February 2025 with an amazing couple Thomas and Dave!

"Being asked to be godparents to the first couple we helped with a grant and watching Sonny grow up, having helped in his journey, is most definitely one of our proudest moments"

What’s your main goal with the charity?

To help people achieve their dreams of having a baby and advocate for free and fairer IVF funding in the UK.

What’s been your proudest moment so far? 

Being asked to be godparents to the first couple we helped with a grant. Michelle and Terry live local to us and volunteered in one of our charity shops in 2020 and in 2021 after their second failed IVF attempt - we funded their third cycle. They named their son Sonny to reflect happiness, light and a reminder of their journey. Watching Sonny grow up, and to have helped in his journey through life is most definitely one of our proudest moments.

For those looking for fertility support, how can they get support from a charity like yours? 

Although we have no formal process in place we are always happy to talk to anyone that needs advice and support. If we can’t help, we can sign-post them to the right place to get what they need, whether one of our community support partners or an external company. 

Do you have any tips or advice for couples or individuals struggling with infertility and unsure where to turn for help? 

Family and friends can be a great support network for you. Online groups and forums can be helpful, but can sometimes leave you feeling more confused than informed.  

Of course organisations like Bea are helpful in signposting or providing information and resources to help you figure out your journey.

Thanks Tone! 

For those of you reading this that would like more information on the Fertility Foundation, or would like to reach out for help, you can do so via their website here.