One of the lesser known side-effects of cystic fibrosis (CF) is infertility and without IVF treatment, many people with CF will never get the opportunity to start their own family, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) has said.

The charity runs a fertility grant scheme, which provides financial support to people with CF. Last year, it provided over €83,000 to 33 couples to allow them to undergo fertility assessments and treatment.

“About one-quarter of adults with CF now have children of their own, but many cannot afford IVF treatment to make the dream of having a family of their own a reality. Ireland remains one of the last countries in the European Union that does not provide financial support towards IVF treatment, which can cost up to €12,000,” explained CFI chief executive, Philip Watt.

Hannah Grogan (32) lives in Cork city with her husband Michael (36) who has CF. They have an 11-month-old son, Sam, following fertility treatment that was financially assisted by the CFI fertility grant.

“Michael and I always knew that to have a family we’d have to go down the assisted reproduction route through a fertility centre. We were always saving money for this ourselves and then it was a great relief to know that some financial assistance was available to us through the CFI fertility grant.

“It provided solace to us by making things much easier and less stressful. Going through fertility treatment is a highly stressful and emotional time for any couple. You never know what the ultimate cost will be and you may need to go through many treatments. The fertility grant makes a difficult process somewhat easier,” Ms Grogan said.

CFI’s biggest annual fundraiser, 65 Roses, will take place on Friday, April 8 and this year, it is hoping to raise €350,000, some of which will be used to fund the fertility grant.

CFI is also pledging €1 from every €10 raised towards supporting the estimated 1,000 people with CF in the Ukraine.

For more information on the fundraiser, or to donate, click on 65Roses.ie.