A WOMAN who needs fertility treatment to have a child has been told she does not qualify because her husband has a child.

Eastbourne resident Lauren Winchester married husband Andrew almost two years ago with a dream of starting a family.

But the 25-year-old was diagnosed with low ovarian reserve, meaning her chances of conceiving naturally are less than one per cent.

“I felt like my body had given up on me,” said the Lauren, a manager at McDonald’s.

“I’ve been trying to have a child for five years.

“I’ve had problems with miscarriages before.

“I went through depression after the diagnosis, and it tested our marriage.”

Lauren needs in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment to have a child.

But because her husband has a child from a previous relationship, Lauren does not qualify for this treatment under the NHS.

Now she faces having to spend thousands to realise her lifelong dream.

“Private treatment in the UK can be as much as £11,000,” Lauren said.

“But if I lived in Scotland I would get this treatment for free.

“It’s so unfair. Just because my husband has a child doesn’t mean my chance should be taken away.

“I’ve always wanted to start a family, I’m only 25 and having a child has been a dream all my life.

“As a woman I want to experience having a child myself, I have that maternal instinct.”

Now Lauren has started an online campaign to raise £5,000 so she can get IVF treatment in the Czech Republic.

“I’ve had quite a few messages from strangers saying how inspirational my campaign is,” she said.

“It’s helped me love my body again after all of that depression.

“I tried to keep it all inside for a while but I feel much better now I’m open about it.

“It’s helped me keep the hope alive and not to be down-hearted.

“That’s why it’s so important to be open with mental health and loving yourself.”

While her focus is on funding her treatment at a clinic in Prague, Lauren hopes to to set up campaign for other women with similar experiences.

“One in seven couples have problems with infertility”, she said.

“I’d like to start a petition for the NHS to offer IVF to women like me.

“Right now it’s a postcode lottery.

“It’s so unfair for so many people.”

To donate to Lauren’s campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/f/ex539n-help-me-get-ivf-treatment.