Gareth

Location: Brighton, United Kingdom

About Gareth Ashley

Date of Birth: Oct 10, 1978

Citizenship: British

Occupation: Pharmacist, Property Developer

Medical Information:

General Health:

In good health.

Fertility Information:

10 PGT tested embryos made with the help of a known egg donor.

Fertility Clinic:

CReATe, Toronto

Why are you looking for a Surrogate?

Many intended parent(s) wish to pass on their natural values & ideals, those of their own parents & grandparents & their life experience/knowledge.

A surrogate, as the person bringing this life into the world, is the best option for me as I would be looking for someone embracing the altruistic and empathic values towards other human beings. I feel this would help create a very close lifelong friendship between two people who are looking to help the world become a progressively more loving place by bringing this unique, loving soul into the world.

I truly believe a child knows they are loved before they are born which is why I am looking for a perfect match.

Tell us about your family & loved ones.

My family includes aunts, uncles, cousins and their children. My best friend Barry, is from Thunder Bay, Ontario and lives just a few minutes down the road. He is very supportive, and together we share a cat! My close friends include ‘Big’ Rob and ‘Little Rob’ who have a son born through surrogacy as well. I also have a group of theatre friends and a large network of work colleagues.

Would you like to attend appointments with your Surrogate?

Yes. I would like to attend as many appointments as possible, but I will respect the wishes of the Surrogate. I would love to attend ultrasound appointments, any other scans and results appointments if possible. Travel to attend will not be an issue.

What are your thoughts on termination of a pregnancy due to genetic abnormalities or complications related to the pregnancy?

I wish to have the option to terminate if the doctor recommends it is in the best interest of the child or the Surrogate. As both myself and the egg donor have all been tested (no overlap of defective genes) and the embryos are all being tested as well, there should be a lot less chance of genetic issues. I would like a genetic sample done when the Surrogate is pregnant and if any major issues are found, have the option to terminate.

If the Surrogate becomes pregnant with multiples, how would you feel? How do you feel about the possibility of selective reduction being recommended due to a multiple pregnancy?

I would hope twins would be okay with the Surrogate, however triplets, quads etc. would likely require selective reduction which I would be okay with.

Are you vaccinated for Covid-19? Do you have a preference for a Surrogate to have been vaccinated for Covid-19?

I am vaccinated. I would prefer a Surrogate to be vaccinated, but not essential.

What kind of relationship do you want to have the your Surrogate during the pregnancy?

I am hoping for a very close and communicative relationship. I am able to offer lots of support, and would like to stay in contact after the birth.

Do you want to be in the delivery room when your child is born?

Yes

What kind of relationship do you hope to have with your Surrogate after the birth of your child?

I’d like to stay in contact. I would be happy to send videos, pictures, cards etc. to the Surrogate. When I visit Canada, I would like to give them the opportunity to meet up if the Surrogate would like.

Would you be open to a home birth?

I'd prefer a hospital birth in case of complications etc.

Are you open to midwifery care?

I feel it is the Surrogate’s choice and would be supportive with whatever she decides. However I would want a hospital birth for any emergencies.

Would you like your Surrogate to provide breastmilk?

It would be amazing if the Surrogate could breast pump a supply of breast milk for me to give to my child.

What will you tell the child about the Surrogate, and the circumstances of their birth? If the child asks to meet the Surrogate, how will you feel?

I plan to explain the process fully, but respect the limits of what the Surrogate wants. If the child wants to meet the Surrogate, I will be completely fine with that, however I will make sure the child knows she isn’t their mother.

If the transfer is unsuccessful, will you want to try again? If so, how soon after?

Yes, as soon as possible.

If this surrogacy journey is successful, would you want to complete a sibling journey? What do you envision that looking like? (timeline, same Surrogate etc.)

Yes, also as soon as possible. I would love to have the same Surrogate for a sibling journey as well.

What are your plans for childcare once the child is born?

I have guaranteed income from rental properties I own. I am looking forward to being a stay-at-home dad until the child (or children) are school-aged. I have set up my life and income to be able to support this plan.

What does a typical weekend look like for you?

Currently I work a Saturday or Sunday, sometimes only a half day. After work, I usually meet up with Barry and some friends and go out to eat, go for walks and even take on a DIY project or two! I love theatre, so I usually have rehearsals in our local theatre and amateur dramatic groups on the weekends too.

What are some of your interests/ activities?

I am very involved in our local theatre. I love singing, acting, dancing, gardening and gaming. I can’t wait to include my child in these fun activities!