After Years Battling Anorexia, 50-Year-Old Christine Forshaw Welcomes IVF Twin Daughters
Christine Forshaw, 50, from Epsom in Surrey, has realized a lifelong dream by giving birth to twin girls, Emily Tracey and Grace Christine, following her fourth IVF attempt. Emily was born first, weighing 4lb 12oz, with Grace arriving three minutes later at 5lb 8oz.
For Christine, the path to motherhood was long, costly, and emotionally draining. She spent over £20,000 on fertility treatments and conceived using donor sperm after years of medical uncertainty over whether her body could carry a pregnancy.

Christine’s struggle with anorexia began in her teenage years and lasted two decades. Between ages 14 and 34, her weight dropped to just over four stone, and her menstrual cycle stopped completely, raising serious doubts about her fertility. “At my lowest point, no one could tell me if I’d ever be able to have children,” she said.
After a short marriage ended when she was 29, Christine put aside the idea of becoming a mother. Years later, encouraged by a close friend, she decided to pursue IVF on her own. She began private fertility treatment in London in 2017, at age 46. Three IVF cycles failed, and she nearly gave up, but chose to attempt one final cycle to avoid a lifetime of regret.
Christine selected an anonymous sperm donor via an online database, choosing based on characteristics like appearance, blood type, and interests. “It’s very clinical,” she explained. “You don’t know the person—you’re selecting a profile and a reference number.” She also paid an annual fee to store the donor sperm while continuing treatment.
Doctors transferred two embryos, warning that the chance of both implanting was only around five per cent. When a home pregnancy test returned positive, blood tests confirmed the success. At her seven-week scan, Christine suspected something unexpected. “I looked at the doctor and said, ‘You’re going to tell me it’s twins, aren’t you?’” she recalled. “When he confirmed it, I was completely stunned.”
Due to years of disappointment, Christine kept the pregnancy private until 26 weeks, sharing the news with just one trusted friend in case complications arose.
The twins were delivered via C-section at 36 weeks at Epsom District Hospital after doctors discovered one baby was breech. Born ahead of their May due date, Emily and Grace arrived healthy and strong.
Now adjusting to life as a new mother, Christine says the experience has brought her a sense of peace and fulfillment she never thought possible. “My life finally feels complete,” she said.

She currently lives with her parents, David, 82, and Val, 77, while preparing to move into her own home. She recalls feeling nervous telling them she was expecting twins, but her father’s supportive reaction eased her fears. “He just said he wanted me to be happy,” she said.
Christine has also spoken openly about the origins of her eating disorder, which began at 14 after an offhand comment about her weight during a theatre session. Once a healthy 8½ stone at 5ft 6in, she became consumed by restrictive eating and body image concerns. By her mid-20s, the physical effects were severe, including thinning hair and a hollowed appearance. Although her health briefly improved during her marriage, she relapsed afterward.
With the support of a close friend, Christine gradually rebuilt her health, fully recovering by 39. By the time she conceived, she weighed a healthy eight stone and had returned to acting after time spent travelling in Australia.
“I owe my life to that friendship,” she said. “I was given a second chance—and now, with my daughters, I finally have a future to look forward to.”