Dear Surrogate,

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our letter, we really do appreciate it! We’re James and Donal from Ireland. As a same-sex couple, we’ve always known our dream of becoming parents may never come true but the thought that people like you exist means the world to us and gives us hope!

A little bit about us… we’re total opposites in some ways, but it just works! Donal loves slow weekend mornings, walks to the coffee shop, and taking his time cooking a proper meal (he insists James isn’t allowed near the kitchen!). James, on the other hand, is usually up early, out in the garden, or halfway through another DIY project which completely freaks Donal out. He even painted the whole house once while Donal was away for the weekend just to avoid the stress! Despite our differences, we’re both big goofballs at heart. We laugh every day, don’t take life too seriously, and know there’s no one else in the world who could get us quite like we get each other.

We love beach walks, games of tennis, travelling, visiting family, and going out for a lovely creamy pint of Guinness. We moved in together shortly after our first date five years ago and have gone from strength to strength ever since. We go married in February 2024 in front of all of our family and friends (James still misses organizing it in Excel!). We’ve built a warm, happy home together and can’t wait to fill it with the laughter and chaos that come with having a child. We’re both incredibly close to our families, parents, siblings, nieces and nephews and they’re all so excited for us to become parents. James’s 98-year-old gran, who is still full of life, can’t wait to meet another great-grandchild!

Our dream is to raise a kind, curious, and confident child in a home filled with laughter, love, and support just like the homes we grew up in. We want to give them every opportunity to explore the world, discover what makes them happy and always know that they are safe and deeply loved. We both enjoy our careers (James in finance and Donal in telecommunications) but family will always come first and if we’re lucky enough to have a child, Donal plans to become a stay-at-home dad so we can give our little one as much presence and attention as possible.

We’re working with Dr. Baratz at Create and were lucky enough to have an amazing egg donor who we’re still in touch with. It’s been a long road to get here, but reaching this stage fills us with excitement and gratitude. We know surrogacy is a huge commitment and we have so much respect for the generosity and strength it takes! We’d love for our Surrogate to feel supported throughout the journey.

Thank you again for considering us and whether you choose us or another family, please know how extraordinary it is that you’re even exploring this path. Your generosity creates families, and that’s the most beautiful gift anyone could give!

With heartfelt gratitude,
James & Donal

Go raibh míle maith agat (guh rev meel-eh mah agat) “a thousand thanks.”