'I gave birth to my best friend's baby'

Emiliana Hall and Sophie Smith had been friends since high school and when Sophie had fertility issues, Emiliana made a generous offer

- ALI GRAVES

EMILIANA HALL, 38, SAYS:

'Sophie and I were so excited to be pregnant together - we were besties from the age of 14-so I was devastated for her when her 12-week scan revealed she had lost the baby, while my pregnancy continued.

Sophie and her husband Jack were so ready for children, whereas I wasn't sure I was, so it felt like an even bigger blow.

A few months later, I gave birth to my daughter Mollie and, while Sophie was over the moon for me, things just got harder in her own quest to have children - she suffered multiple losses and fertility problems. It was heartbreaking. They tried IVF and it didn't work. Then Sophie endured ectopic pregnancies, resulting in the loss of both her fallopian tubes. It was a devastating time and awful to watch them go through it physically, emotionally and financially.

I never felt guilty for having my own children - Sophie wouldn't make me feel that way - but I knew I wanted to help her.

I was pregnant with my second child when I offered to be their surrogate. I knew I wanted it to be quickly after my own and it would be easier while mine were still young.

Sophie had lost her second fallopian tube, meaning she could never conceive naturally and the cost of IVF was too large. The chances of them having their own baby were becoming slimmer and slimmer.

My husband James and I discussed our proposal for about three months before I put it to Sophie and Jack. James was supportive and suggested taking my time - in case it was my pregnancy hormones talking. James had been watching Jack, who is his best friend, struggling too and was also relieved to give them an option.