Lisa Riley “It’s okay to not have children”

Over the past few months we have watched former Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley’s fertility journey and were saddened when it came to a sudden end earlier this year

We have been inspired by her weight loss and her decision to explore IVF as an option to have a child.

But what sets Lisa apart from the rest is her resilience and positive attitude after discovering she would never be able to have a child naturally.

It is a hugely challenging and emotional time for anyone who discovers, for whatever reason, they cannot have a biological child.

The 41-year-old has been open and candid about her journey and now that she won’t have children, she is inspiring us again with her thoughts on her future with fiance, Al.

She recently explained in an interview with Heart Radio that her eggs just didn’t make the grade and that her fertility doctors did not believe they were viable to have IVF.

She told the radio station: “It’s like, if the avocado was completely black, it’s off, and you’re not gonna eat it are you? You’ve got to face facts, that’s the way life is.”

The BAFTA-award winning actress said that even though the news was a devastating blow, she is okay with it now and is content with her life.

The Loose Women panellist said she had been asked if she will adopt (which is a really insensitive question to ask a woman, by the way) and she said she had no plans.

She said: “I’m really content in my life and I love my life – because I will now forever be the person who’s never had a child, but I’m OK with that, and it’s OK for anybody to feel like that.

“It’s not like we women were put on this earth just to make babies. There’s a lot of difference to be made, and a lot of change that can impact other people.”

Lisa lost 12 stone following her appearance on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and is now a happy size 12.

She is planning her wedding to mystery fiance, Al, who has shunned the celebrity lifestyle and prefers to stay in the background.

Are you involuntarily childless? How have you coped with the grief of not being able to have a child? We’d love to hear your views on Lisa’s comments, email mystory@ivfbabble.com