Midwives help dad propose after couple trying to have baby for 6 years fulfill dream

Midwives helped a new dad with a surprise proposal after a couple who have been trying for a baby for six years see their IVF daughter finally born.

Steve Branson and Jess Mayall had struggled to conceive for nearly six years, and their daughter Ava was tragically stillborn last year.

The couple who have been together for 18 years have had many ups and downs.

But now they have finally fulfilled their dream of having their own family.

Baby Imogen arrived on Wednesday, and midwives helped besotted Steve carry out a surprise proposal just minutes later.

Midwives at Hull Women and Children's Hospital dressed her in a special baby-grow featuring the message: "Mummy, will you marry Daddy?"

And the ecstatic mum immediately said yes.

Jess, from Grimsby, Lincs., said: "It was such an amazing surprise. We've had many ups and downs together, but we're thrilled to be able to start the next part of our journey as a family.

"We have been together for almost 18 years and have been trying for a baby for almost six years now.

"In 2018 we were lucky enough to conceive with the help of the IVF team in Hull but sadly, on 5th July 2019, our daughter Ava was born sleeping at 38 weeks and 3 days.

"Imogen is our rainbow baby; she was also conceived via IVF at Hull so it was lovely that she could be involved in this."

New dad Steve said it was the perfect time to ask Jessica to marry him and said he can't wait to start their next chapter together.

He said: "Now that Imogen is here it feels like a huge weight has been lifted and this just felt like the perfect time to ask Jessica to be my wife.

"We can finally start the next chapter of our lives with Imogen; with Ava in our hearts."

The couple have thanked the hospital staff who played a key part in one of the most important days of their lives.

The couple said: "I would like to thank everyone on the labour ward for helping me to pull this off; the care we have received has been incredible from start to finish.

"We would like to express our gratitude to all of the doctors, especially Dr Tibbott who's been amazing, the IVF team especially Dawn and Nicky, and Louise and Sarah from the bereavement team, all of whom have supported us throughout."

Jade Barker, midwifery assistant at the hospital said: "My colleagues and I were happy to help Steve make the proposal.

"It was so nice to be involved in something so meaningful and positive for this lovely couple after everything they have been through."