An Enfield man has spoken of his delight at becoming a father after deciding to freeze his sperm before he underwent treatment for bowel cancer.

Paul Simms, 36, from Stevenage, was only 24-years-old when he was diagnosed – and being a parent had been the last thing on his mind.

He was told he would need several rounds of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and major surgery. However, he had been given the option to freeze and store some of his sperm beforehand.

If a man’s sperm count or quality is affected by medical treatment then fertility preservation may allow him to have his own biological child in the future.

Paul said: “At the time I was single and didn’t really want to freeze my sperm.

“To be honest being a father was the last thing on my mind, but my mum and dad and the doctors convinced me to.”

After recovering from the cancer four year later, he married his wife, Kayleigh. The couple were eligible for NHS-funded IVF treatment and chose to have their IVF at Bourn Hall Clinic just outside Cambridge.

Kayleigh became pregnant after their second treatment at Bourn Hall and on 31st July 2016, their daughter Sophie was born.

Now a lively and bubbly toddler, Sophie will be celebrating her third birthday next month.

Paul said: “Fatherhood is the best thing I’ve ever done, and I’m grateful to be in this position now because for a time it didn’t feel like I would ever be a Dad and have a child wishing me a Happy Father’s Day.

“We are definitely going back to Bourn Hall to try again as we definitely want another baby, in fact Kayleigh would like another two but we will have to see.”