A HEARTBROKEN Orford woman who yearns to have her own baby has been overwhelmed by support from strangers.

Fertility treatment has failed for Vicki Knight, 27, and now her only hope is IVF.

Because her partner, John Galligan, 35, already has a three-year-old daughter, Lily, from a previous relationship, they are not eligible for NHS funding.

The couple, of Dickenson Street, launched an appeal to help raise £5,000 and in a few days wellwishers have donated £845.

“We are so overwhelmed,” said Vicki.

“It would mean absolutely everything to me. It is all I’ve ever wanted to hold my own child in my arms.

“It is my dream.”

Vicki, who is originally from Widnes, was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome when she was 18.

Surgery later revealed she has a blocked tube and tilted cervix.

It has been a rollercoaster of emotion during the past six months as the fertility drug Clomid failed to stimulate ovulation.

The customer service adviser said: “You feel like crashing back down to earth.

“My body is failing me. The pain you can’t even describe.

"People don't realise how hard it is to have a baby.

“It has been horrendous but it has made us stronger, brought us closer together.”

A family fun day is being held on Sunday, June 12 at Moorfield Sports and Social Club in Widnes.

Businesses have donated raffle prizes and there will be arts and crafts stalls.

“We don’t want people to think we are begging for money for our dream,” added Vicki.

“We are putting our own money into this.

“We could do it on our own but it would take years and time is running out.”

The couple hope to have their first IVF consultation at Liverpool Women's Hospital next month.

To support Vicki visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/dreaming.