A recruitment manager who spent £60,000 in a four-year battle to have children said it was worth every penny.

An NHS specialist told Jo Sharpe, now 38, she would never be able to conceive with her own eggs when blood tests revealed she was perimenopausal and would experience the menopause early.

Miss Sharpe and partner Miles Dymott, a 42-year-old IT manager, who live in Brighton, were determined to keep trying and turned to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) after researching fertility options.

Miss Sharpe has a 13-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, but the couple desperately wanted to have their own child together.

They had two unsuccessful rounds of treatment at the Agora Gynaecology and Fertility Centre, Ellen Street, Hove, in 2009, but finally conceived after being treated at another private clinic in London in 2011.

Their son Samuel was born on March 26, 2012, weighing 9lb 3oz.

Miss Shape said: “It’s the greatest gift. It is also the hardest work ever but it is worth it and I feel I’m the luckiest person in the world.”

The couple, who live near Sussex Square, spent £33,000 on treatment and another £30,000 on vitamins, yoga and pilates, acupuncture, other health and transport costs.

They used bonuses, credit cards, overdrafts and financial help from relatives to achieve their dream.

Miss Sharpe said: “Sometimes you also need to recognise when to say enough is enough. We have reached that point now but we are so happy we have Samuel.

"For anyone contemplating embarking on IVF I would say don’t wait or put it off. I was surprised at how long everything takes.

“For those not having success yet, you won’t want to look back thinking that you didn’t try everything – so just give it all a shot.”

They did try to have a second baby but were unsuccessful and have since decided to stop IVF.

An Agora spokeswoman said: “We understand how important it is for patients to pursue their desire for a family and part of that is not to give up hope. Support is fundamental throughout fertility treatment and is something we pride ourselves on providing to all of our patients.”