'Miracle' daughter born through IVF after father's cancer news

A man diagnosed with stage four bile duct cancer successfully fathered a child through IVF using a sperm sample collected just before starting chemotherapy. Despite a grim initial prognosis, the father has seen significant tumor reduction and credits his family as a vital source of motivation.
Why it matters
This story highlights the intersection of advanced fertility preservation techniques and cancer treatment, offering hope to patients facing life-altering diagnoses.
Image source, Press Association Image caption, Liam was diagnosed with stage four bile duct cancer in April 2025
A man who was diagnosed with cancer says his sperm donation one hour before he started chemotherapy led to the birth of his "miracle" daughter.
Liam, 38, from Lincoln, was diagnosed with stage four bile duct cancer in April 2025.
On the morning he started treatment he donated his sperm for IVF with his partner, Lois. Their daughter Birdie was born in July 2026.
Liam said: "If I didn't have Lois and Birdie, I think cancer would control my life. It would dictate what I do hour by hour, minute by minute and I'd constantly be thinking about it. But I've got so many happy distractions in my life that I can take control back."
Liam, who is a former supermarket area manager, started dating Lois in December 2024.
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