Donor Conception:
Connecting through Conversations
Real life stories, Interactive Q&As, Professional Insight & More
Join the waitlist for future events
A whole day designed to help you navigate donor conception as a path to parenthood, specifically those who are considering donor conception, trying to conceive or have yet to hold their longed-for baby in their arms.
Recipient Parent Panel • Donor Conceived Panel • Donor Panel • Q&As • Interactive Keynotes from Our Professionals & Researchers • Includes Lunch, Refreshments & Lots of Opportunities for Connection
“This the first time in 18 months, we feel able to say we are okay and actually mean it. Thank you so much for your compassionate insightful hug of an event. We now feel proud to be part of this community and so greatful for how much it has helped our mindset after such a heartbreaking few years. Dare I say it, we even feel excited for the next steps!”
Following the huge success of our in-person events in 2022, 2023 and 2024 “Donor Conception: Connecting through Conversations”, we held a fourth event in 2025 at the beautiful Mary Ward House, Central London.
There’s great power in connecting with others on a similar path; this event is a wonderful opportunity to make real-life connections with people at a similar stage.
Our previous events have been filled with so much warmth, compassion and hope, and for our 2024 & 2025 event, we added more time for connection, along with our panel discussions sharing lived experiences of parents, donor conceived people and donors, plus our interactive keynote sessions led by two incredible professionals in this space. If you’d like to attend one of our incredible events in future, join the waitlist below.
“Thank you so much. What a wonderful event this was. We’re both very grateful for all the work that went into organising it and to all the panellists who shared so generously.”
With thanks to our supporters, Lister Fertility Clinic
What’s included?
Panel discussions and Q&A with lived experiences of recipient parents, donor conceived individuals and donors
Tailored keynote sessions with our brilliant Paths to Parenthub professionals & researchers in the field
Interactive panels and keynotes, enabling you to ask questions and contribute to the sessions anonymously via the comfort of an app on your smartphone
Lots of opportunities for networking and building friendships
NEW FOR 2025 – Solo Spotlight, insight with Mel Johnson, Solo Mum by Choice and founder of the community The Stork and I
Click here for details on Solo Spotlight
At Paths to Parenthub, we know that choosing donor conception as a solo parent is a unique and deeply personal journey. That’s why in partnership with The Stork and I, we’ve created Solo Spotlight – a dedicated space within the day designed especially for women considering or pursuing solo parenthood.
As part of this pathway, you’ll:
Attend the main event and benefit from the full programme of expert talks and discussions.
Sit together with other solo parents on a similar journey, so you feel connected, supported, and never alone.
Have the chance to ask questions and hear from experts with a dedicated focus on solo parenthood in a separate break out session.
Be gently facilitated in making meaningful connections with other women on the same path, with the option to be introduced to one another even before the event.
Our aim is that you leave the day feeling not only informed and inspired, but also uplifted by the warmth of community and the reassurance that this pathway is focused on you.
Solo Spotlight offers the best of both worlds: the richness and depth of information of the wider event, all of which will be completely relevant to solo parents and the comfort of knowing your unique journey to parenthood is understood and supported.
Our very own Compassionate Corner – a calm space away from the main area to gather your thoughts and reflect on the day as it unfolds
Exclusive discount offers for 2025 event attendees to join our award-winning Paths to Parenthub Community Membership
A special takeaway gift bag to support your donor conception journey
Lunch and refreshments throughout the day
Networking drinks after the event to continue the connection
Lots of conversation and a ton of compassion
2025 Speaker Panels
Recipient Parent Panel
Hosted by Becky Kearns
It can help so much to hear from others who have walked a similar path. Our recipient parent panel features a broad range of lived experiences and family formations, all of which have used a donor to conceive.
David
David is Dad to four year old Delaney who is sperm donor conceived. He and his wife Eleanor have been together since high school, and becoming parents one day was always in their future, so being given the diagnosis of azoospermia and discovering that he was infertile was a shock for them both. David is passionate about showing that infertility doesn’t make you less of a man, or less of a father, and is proud that while Delaney may not have his DNA, she will always have everything else he has to give her.
Matt
Matt will be sharing his perspective as husband to Becky and genetic parent to Mila, Eska and Lena (now aged 9, 7 and 7), including how they made the decision, his own thoughts and fears along the way, and his feelings now. It’s not often we hear from the male perspective within egg donation, this is a great opportunity to hear how Matt’s feelings have changed over time and how today he (and Becky) are open with and support their girls with understanding how they came to be.
Reeganne
After a whirlwind meeting and marriage in our mid / late 40’s it became apparent very quickly that we were not going to have children without donor support. While we were exploring overseas egg donation, my husband casually mentioned to a childhood friend how tough and strange the whole process can be. Later that same day, our friend and his wife (who had a baby girl of their own through IVF) called back offering us their one remaining embryo. Today, I am the very proud and very tired mother of a 3 1/2 year old little girl. I am so happy and proud to share our story and hope that it might help other families who are considering this path.
Keeley
Keeley, 47, Mum to 5yr old Freddie. After a journey of 8 rounds of IVF with my own eggs over a period of 6 years, we decided to change our path to having a family and embrace egg donation. We had our treatment abroad in Russia and could not have hoped for a better experience. Without our donor, and the amazing doctors and nurses that held our hands, the amazing little dude that is Freddie wouldn’t be here, and that is inconcieveable!
Sophie
Sophie, 54, Solo Mum to an amazing 8 year old boy via double donation. After a number of rounds of IUI and IVF using my own eggs I took the decision to use donor eggs. I had all my treatment in London with donor sperm from Denmark and we have connected with a number of other families who have used the same sperm donor. I enjoy actively sharing our story to help others in their conception and parenting journeys.
Donor Conceived Panel
Hosted by Hayley King
The most important experience is that of those who are donor conceived themselves. Our donor conceived person panel features both egg and sperm donor conceived individuals, and those raised in a variety of family environments. This panel will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions and learn about their own perspectives and upbringing.
Katie
Hi, I’m Katie, an egg donor concieved adult from London. I found out later in life, and I believe openess is at the heart of the family. I look forward to meeting everyone.
Freya
Freya is donor conceived and grew up in a two mum family, having always known she was conceived using an anonymous sperm donor. She went on to have two children with her wife using an open ID sperm donor, and in the last year has donated her eggs as a known egg donor to a same sex couple. She now spends time educating others about donor conception, and helping people talk about the topic with their donor conceived children – transparency is always the goal!
Nikita
Hi, I’m Nikita, I was conceived via sperm donation to a single mother by choice. I’m a Fine Art graduate and have worked in the private fertility sector for 5 years, currently as a patient services executive. I’ve always known about my conception and have attempted to identify the donor. Since starting my search 10 years ago, I’ve found 7 of my donor conceived half siblings. I often share my experience with others, in the hope it brings a better understanding of what it’s like to be donor conceived.
Donor Panel
Hosted by Becky Kearns
During this panel, we’ll hear from donors in different circumstances, learning about their motivations for becoming a donor and insights that they’ve learnt along the way.
Rena
My name is Rena and I am mum to three children who are 14, 12 and 9, and married to my wonderful husband. Whilst I was pregnant with my third baby, my sister was struggling to conceive. The thought crossed my mind that I would help her if I could. She did go on to have two boys but the thought didn’t leave me. In 2016 I contacted a clinic, and they matched me with my recipients. I felt like we would be friends if we knew each other. The clinic was incredible and really looked after me. In January 2017, I donated 19 eggs and from this my recipients had a daughter in 2017 and twin daughters in 2020. I will be forever proud of helping to create a family. I went on to join Surrogacy UK and I had my first surrogate baby in 2020 and my second in 2023.
Jonathan
I’m Jonathan. I’m 66 years old. I live in Bristol with my partner Chris. We’ve been together for 20 years. I’m a retired GP. I became a sperm donor as a medical student in 1981 aged 22. I answered an ad in the student union building. At the time it offered £8 per donation (the equivalent of £30 today) Part of my motivation to donate was financial (cash was tight) but also altruistic. I never thought I’d meet my biological offspring as the agreement was that my identity would be secret. However, with the advent of DNA technology – and to my great delight – I am able to meet some of them and to form a relationship!
“Thank you for creating a calm and welcoming space, and treating everyone gently and compassionately. It can be intimidating to walk into such an emotionally charged event, but the environment really helped – from the customised goody bags, the thoughtful table set up, plenty of refreshments, proximity of toilets, space to move around and a place to reflect if needed. All of these things make a huge difference to the experience.”
Are you currently…
Spending many hours thinking about this topic, googling and scrolling endless threads in Facebook groups trying to find answers?
Feeling frozen in your decision making around whether to embark on a journey to parenthood via donor conception?
Experiencing anxiety about the process and seeking connection and support on the path to parenthood using donor conception?
This event will…
Bring you some direction and simplicity back, and help you feel more confident and less anxious about the process of donor conception.
Introduce you to people in real life who have experience of this path to parenthood, and who truly ‘get it’, with the potential to make long-term connections.
Provide you with the professional support and compassionate guidance around this often-hidden topic and complex journey to becoming a parent.
2025 Keynote Speakers
Redefining the Dream: Considering Donor Conception as Your Path to Parenthood
Julianne Boutaleb, Consultant Perinatal Psychologist, Parenthood in Mind
Whether donor conception was always an option, or whether it is a new path to parenthood arrived at after infertility and loss, there is likely to be a variety of emotions throughout the journey.
Whilst this path offers a real possibility for our reproductive dreams to become a reality, we must consider that trying to conceive with donor eggs and/or sperm via may be complex – and that support and community is essential whilst on this journey.
This session with perinatal psychologist Julianne Boutaleb will help you think about the sorts of themes and issues that may come up as you consider this path to parenthood, become pregnant after donor conception, and embark on parenting your donor conceived child.
In this insightful keynote, Julianne will discuss themes such as:
- Making decisions around your path to parenthood
- Emotions surrounding genetic loss
- Handling your fears around attachment and bonding with your longed-for baby
- Building your resilience whilst undergoing fertility treatment
Opening Up: Preparing for Future Conversations about Donor Conception
Dr Avital Pearlman, Child Psychologist, Parenthood in Mind
As you consider donor conception as your path to parenthood, it’s natural to wonder about the conversations you’ll have with your future child about their origins.
Research consistently shows that early, age-appropriate disclosure supports healthy identity development and family relationships. Understanding this now – before conception – can help you feel more prepared and confident about this aspect of your parenting journey.
This session with child psychologist Dr. Avital Pearlman will help you explore the emotional and practical considerations around disclosure, allowing you to make informed decisions about how you want to approach these future conversations.
In this forward-looking and supportive session, we’ll explore:
- Understanding the research: Why telling matters for your child’s wellbeing and family relationships
- Separating your current anxieties from future realities: What parents worry about versus what children actually need
- Planning ahead: Building your disclosure philosophy before your child arrives
- Envisioning age-appropriate conversations: From early childhood through adolescence
- Preparing your support network: Deciding who you’ll tell and when during your journey
- Building confidence in your future narrative: How to think about your story in positive, child-centered ways
- Self-preparation strategies: Processing your own emotions now so you can be present for your child’s future questions
Whether you’re just beginning to explore donor conception or are already on this path, this session will help you feel more prepared and confident about one of the most important aspects of donor conception parenting – creating an environment of openness and honesty from the very beginning.
“There was a real sense of community. And I really want to remember this. It was just a brilliant day, knowing that you didn’t have to explain yourself and knowing you’re around people who understand this very sensitive journey.”
What’s included?
Panel discussions and Q&A with lived experiences of recipient parents, donor conceived individuals and donors
Tailored keynote sessions with our brilliant Paths to Parenthub professionals & researchers in the field
Interactive panels and keynotes, enabling you to ask questions and contribute to the sessions anonymously via the comfort of an app on your smartphone
Lots of opportunities for networking and building friendships
NEW FOR 2025 – Solo Spotlight, insight with Mel Johnson, Solo Mum by Choice and founder of the community The Stork and I
Click here for details on Solo Spotlight
At Paths to Parenthub, we know that choosing donor conception as a solo parent is a unique and deeply personal journey. That’s why in partnership with The Stork and I, we’ve created Solo Spotlight – a dedicated space within the day designed especially for women considering or pursuing solo parenthood.
As part of this pathway, you’ll:
Attend the main event and benefit from the full programme of expert talks and discussions.
Sit together with other solo parents on a similar journey, so you feel connected, supported, and never alone.
Have the chance to ask questions and hear from experts with a dedicated focus on solo parenthood in a separate break out session.
Be gently facilitated in making meaningful connections with other women on the same path, with the option to be introduced to one another even before the event.
Our aim is that you leave the day feeling not only informed and inspired, but also uplifted by the warmth of community and the reassurance that this pathway is focused on you.
Solo Spotlight offers the best of both worlds: the richness and depth of information of the wider event, all of which will be completely relevant to solo parents and the comfort of knowing your unique journey to parenthood is understood and supported.
Our very own Compassionate Corner – a calm space away from the main area to gather your thoughts and reflect on the day as it unfolds
Exclusive discount offers for 2025 event attendees to join our award-winning Paths to Parenthub Community Membership
A special takeaway gift bag to support your donor conception journey
Lunch and refreshments throughout the day
Networking drinks after the event to continue the connection
Lots of conversation and a ton of compassion
Join the waitlist!
Tickets for previous events sold out quickly, if you’d like to be the first to hear when tickets are available, join the waitlist here!
You’ll also be added to our mailing list where you’ll receive the latest news from Paths to Parenthub and the occasional marketing message from us – you can unsubscribe at any time.
“To be in a room where our journey could feel normal was extremely powerful and comforting. We took something from every speaker. Normalising complex feelings. Learning about research and personal experiences of donor conceived children was really reassuring. Julianne’s velcro effect is something I’m sure we will take into our parenting (hopefully!). Compassion and kindness. We took away strength as well and feel so lifted. Thank you so much.”
A huge thank you to The Lister Clinic for supporting this event – as without their support these events would simply not happen!
FAQs
I’ve not made any firm decisions yet around whether I am going to use a donor to build my family, is this event still suitable for me?
This event has been designed for those who are considering donor conception, trying to conceive, pregnant after donor conception, or indeed any stage up until you have your longed-for baby in your arms.
I want to bring my partner; do you offer a couples/companion ticket?
Yes! Please note if you would like to bring a friend, or family member for support then you can also take advantage of the discount.
Feeling nervous / anxious about coming along? Listen to these words from Julianne Boutaleb
I’m feeling very nervous about attending the event, do I have to speak or take part in any of the discussions or can I just sit there and listen?
The event has been designed to accommodate everyone, whether you want to actively take part in conversation with others on a similar path, speak with our panellists and professional speakers or just sit and take it all in – everyone is welcome. This year we have a new feature which will enable attendees to ask questions anonymously via an interactive app on their smart phone and will also have a ‘Compassionate Corner’ which has been designed as quieter space away from the larger event room. As with all of our Paths to Parenthub events, we want our attendees to feel comfortable and validated.
I am coming on my own, will there be the opportunity to connect with other people?
Yes! As well as lots of opportunity to connect with other attendees during the day and in the refreshments break, we are also hosting a drinks and connection session at the end of the day which will be a more relaxed chance to meet others. If you are particularly nervous about attending on your own, please reach out to eleanor@pathstoparenthub.com who will be happy to talk to you about any concerns you might have. We have had lots of solo attendees at previous events, all have come away feeling more connected and not alone on their path.
I’m a professional who works within donor conception - can I buy a ticket?
I want to come, but not sure I can make the date – do you offer refunds?
Here at Paths to Parenthub we know that unexpected life events mean that plans sometimes have to be cancelled. We are able to offer a full refund up to 28 days before the event, but within 28 days this will not apply due to the associated costs and close proximity to the day. However, if you are able to locate someone to transfer your ticket to, we will not charge any admin fee for the associated name change.
Is there parking at the venue?
There are a very limited number of parking spaces at the venue, please contact us urgently if you require one (please note we cannot guarantee one of these spaces, however we will do our best to accommodate your request). Due to the very central location of the venue, we recommend attendees use local transport if able.
Is the venue easily accessible?
Mary Ward House is in central London, not too far from Kings Cross Station. The nearest tube station is Russel Square, which is around a ten minute walk away.
I have a question that is not addressed here
Please email any queries to Eleanor@pathstoparenthub.com where we will be happy to help!