We have had people travel from all over the world to come to our meetings in London. We’ve had attendees from Australia, Geneva and from across the UK, traveling from as far as Glasgow, Leeds and Cornwall.
We hope to extend our meetings to other places across the UK but we have limited resources and funding and until either increase we will continue with having meetings twice a year in central London.
Below is some of the feedback that we have received after our London meetings.
March 2025 Feedback
“It felt hugely empowering to be, for the first time, in a room with 60-70 other people in a similar situation. At a time in my life with all my puzzle pieces scattered on the ground, I was able to start to piece some bits back together. With every story or shared experience with others I felt a little taller, a little stronger and more in control embarking on this new chapter in my life. I would honestly call the moment of my attendance at this event, transformative, in the timeline of my DC journey to date.” – Edwina
“These meetings are a really freeing space to speak about something that has been a huge part of our lives. There’s no other space in my life where I can speak to someone about this and feel completely understood about it. This space gives me a voice about my experience.” – Becca
“I really enjoyed hearing from Marilyn Crawshaw about the history of donor conception law, and the central role she has played in advocating for donor conceived people’s rights. It was also wonderful, as always, to be able to talk to other donor conceived people and enjoy the unique community that DCUK provides.” – Sophie
“The DCUK London meeting is an invaluable opportunity for donor-conceived people to come together and share our experiences, as there aren’t really any other chances to do this!” – Billie
“I am so glad these meetings exist as it’s so lovely to feel part of a large and unconventional family. It’s a welcoming and safe space to share your experiences without judgement.” – Georgia
“The formal part of the event was a very useful presentation about what is happening in the donor conceived world and how Donor Conceived UK is advocating for us. This was followed by a social, equally important as a great opportunity to meet other donor conceived people.” – Jill
“It was a very informative event, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet others who are in the same situation.” – Anonymous
“I was absolutely thrilled and invigorated to join my first ever DCUK event on 22 March 2025! Whilst I was conceived in South Africa, I was warmly welcomed by all of my new Donor Conceived friends. I was also absolutely blown away to have the opportunity to not only hear Marilyn Crawshaw speak about all the amazing work that Marilyn has done for our community in her lifetime, but also shake her hand and thank her personally for all that she’s done for us. I am still reeling!” – Lisa
“The DCUK London meeting was a fantastic event where people with similar experiences get together and support each other, through sharing their experiences, telling their stories and providing an understanding listening ear to others. We can hear about current stats and ask questions about the updates provided. The London event in March had a fantastic guest speaker (Marilyn Crawshaw) who enlightened us about the history behind the changes in legislation and views over the years.” – Hollie
“This is a safe space to share your experience of discovering that you were donor conceived which, for most of us, results in a paradigm shift in our self perception that is hard to explain, even to the most sympathetic audience. Having a ready made community who are ahead on the journey is reassuring and incredibly supportive.” – Alison
“First time I’ve been able to meet other people affected by donor conception other than my DNA linked people. So grateful for that opportunity. Also first time to be able to meet other people linked to the same fertility doctor. Would not have been able to do this without DCUK.” – Anonymous
“The DCUK community is such a valuable and supportive space for DCP. Knowing you are in a safe caring community with people that get it is so special.” – Marcus
September 2024 Feedback
“The London DCUK event gave me my first chance to talk to people in a similar boat to me – it was hugely beneficial to me” – B
“These twice-yearly meetings are perfect for meeting other donor conceived people and sharing our experiences. The first part of the meeting is more structured with updates on the world of donor conception but there is plenty of time left for socialising with like-minded people. It’s a great forum for newcomers to be welcomed into our community.” – Jill
“Feeling like you can speak openly about being Donor Conceived is something unique to these meetings for me. In all other areas of my life it is misunderstood and the importance of this space is incredible.” – Becca
“It was so nice to be in the same place as so many other donor conceived people and be able to share stories of our journeys. It’s also so great to know we have Donor Conceived UK supporting us.” – Jen
“The DCUK community is such a safe and supportive place to meet people that understand how you feel. This group is critical to supporting this underserved and often forgotten group of people.” – Marcus
“It was great to meet up with other DC persons for the first time and hear what work is being done behind the scenes. The first time I have been able to be totally open about my experience and it was good to hear other peoples experiences etc.” – Anonymous
March 2024 Feedback
“These events are so vital for DC people to connect with likeminded people. There’s something indescribable being in a room with others that just get what you’re going through. It’s very healing and validating for the spectrum of emotions that DC people experience. Often (as in my case) being DC can be very isolating and lonely due to many families wanting to keep everything secret – being able to come to a private and safe meeting to connect just means everything.” – Anonymous
“The London event was the first time I’d met other Dc people ( apart from my brother) who understood what it’s like to be donor conceived. This was huge for me, I finally felt less alone. I found the talk and Q&A session very informative and the social afterwards was the icing on the cake.” – Rachael
“The DCUK London event was such an empowering and fun event. It was good to be around people that get it, and I made some great new connections”. – Marcus
“DCUK, is a support network of people, who have all gone through the same experience of finding out you aren’t who you thought you were. For me I went through a whole range of emotions-from sadness that I wasn’t really my Dads daughter to the shame of not knowing who my biological father was. I wish I’d found DCUK sooner, during those first turbulent weeks/months of realisation. Having found my way here now, I’ll never feel alone again. Thank you ❤️” – Rachael
“Meeting as a community is so vital, especially in an age when so much is over Zoom. You don’t get the same feeling or read a person’s body language through a screen. I believe this community will grow massively, as many more people become aware that they are Donor Conceived.” – Rosalind
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