Amber Marie Allen of Lowestoft tells her IVF journey story

Two years ago Amber Marie Allen, 28, of Pakefield, Lowestoft, was struggling to conceive.

But after going through an IVF process, she is now a mum to a two-year-old girl named Hallee.

Mrs Allen: said: “When I was four my appendix ruptured, and the injection after the surgery led to scar tissue forming all around my organs including my fallopian tubes.

"This meant IVF was our only option for me and my husband.

Amber (right) and her daughter Hallee on a Polar Express trip (Image: Submitted)"So we got referred to Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridge, but due to Covid restrictions at the time our treatment was delayed for over nine months.”

With around one in six couples in the UK facing infertility issues, the IVF journey can be challenging.

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The process involves rigorous treatments and emotional strain and currently, there is no legal right to time off for IVF treatments in the UK. 

Amber Marie Allen (left) is forever grateful to Polly Vincent for giving her the time off work for her IVF treatment (Image: Submitted)

But Polly Vincent, 35, owner of Enhance Cosmetic Clinic in Pakefield, Lowestoft, was keen to support her employee.

Despite there being no legal right for time off for IVF treatment in the UK, Mrs Vincent who employs Mrs Marie Allen decided she could have the time off.

Mrs Allen said: "IVF treatment is undeniably tough.

Amber (left) with her daughter Hallee (Image: Submitted)"The injections, the uncertainty, it’s emotionally and physically draining.

"I was lucky that my workplace was so supportive. Polly let me take a whole four weeks off during my treatment so I could focus solely on my treatment.

"It had such a positive impact to know I had a huge support system not just from family but also at work too.

"Had work not have been so supportive it could have been a very different experience.”

Amber (left) and her daughter Hallee (Image: The Bostons)