When Colleen Kennedy and Chris Weaver, from near Taunton, struggled to conceive their second child, it was the team at BCRM (Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine) who helped them complete their family.
The couple’s first baby was born naturally in 2014 after a year of trying. But when they hoped for another child, Colleen didn’t fall pregnant and tests through their GP couldn’t find a reason why.
“We started to look into private fertility treatment during Covid,” said Colleen. “Because we already had a child, we weren’t eligible for NHS IVF. Luckily, our family offered to help us financially. A friend recommended BCRM, and after hearing such positive feedback, we decided to give it a go.”
Their journey began with an online consultation, followed by Colleen’s egg retrieval – which, due to restrictions at the time, she had to attend without Chris. “The BCRM team were absolutely lovely, really positive and encouraging. It was actually exciting to be doing something after all the Covid restrictions,” she said.
That first round of treatment led to three embryos, but sadly their fresh embryo transfer ended in a very early miscarriage. “Our consultant, Dr Caroline Chebsey, was reassuring and encouraged us to come back when we felt ready,” Colleen explained.
Life delays and a slow recovery from Covid meant the couple didn’t return until 2024, just before Colleen’s 40th birthday. This time, with Chris able to be by her side, the transfer experience felt very different.
“The team at BCRM made it so special – a large screen to watch the procedure, relaxing music, and such positivity. When I later had severe pains, they even brought me back for an extra scan and referred me for further checks at hospital. We felt so well cared for.”
In June 2025, their baby boy Ren was born. His big sister Belle, now 10, is “a proper little mother” who adores him.
“We are so grateful to the team at BCRM for enabling us to complete our family, and cannot recommend them highly enough,” said Colleen. “The clinic is so convenient from the M5, with great parking, and the support was just amazing.”
Colleen now works with the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, while Chris is a marketing executive.
About BCRM
BCRM (www.fertilitybristol.com) is the longest-established fertility clinic in Bristol, helping people from across the South West and Wales with both NHS and private fertility treatment. The clinic is involved in innovative research and has one of the best IVF success rates in the UK.
