The story of Ailsa's Aim

In 2018, after six long years of trying to conceive, Sara was finally successful with IVF treatment, and was pregnant with our beautiful daughter, Ailsa — the inspiration for our charity's name.

At 12 weeks, Sara was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and had to self-inject insulin. A balancing act began: enough nutrients for the developing baby, while keeping dangerous sugar levels in check. Then, at around 20 weeks, an unexpected and sinister-looking cyst appeared, growing alongside the baby.

By 23 weeks, the diabetes was affecting Sara's blood pressure, and the cyst had grown exponentially to 12 × 12 × 10 cm — causing blockages, anaemia and severe pain. Doctors put much of it down to pregnancy complications.

At Ailsa's premature birth, and after a four-hour operation, Ailsa was rushed to Special Care. Sara's Consultant confirmed devastating news: the cyst was a rare and little-known form of cancer. Professor Seckl at Charing Cross Hospital ultimately diagnosed three rare, advanced ovarian cancers.

On 7th January 2019 — when Ailsa was just four weeks old — Sara began five months of gruelling chemotherapy and several blood transfusions. Niven spent those months moving between the hospital and caring for a tiny, underweight baby.

Thanks to Sara's strength, the motivation of looking after Ailsa, and the extraordinary skill of the NHS, Ailsa has grown into a happy little girl, and Sara is in full remission.

Ailsa's Aim is our way of saying thank you — to the people who helped save the lives of both Ailsa and Sara, and to all the families and frontline staff still walking similar roads.