HAVING a child is straight-forward for most couples, yet for those who face difficulties, or in some cases cannot conceive at all, the impossibility of ever starting a family can dominate their lives.

This is where surrogate mums such as Julie Fisher come in, by making miracles happen.

Julie has just given birth to a second son for a couple who would not normally have been able to have children.

What she has done is remarkable. For eight months she carried a child for another woman; she put herself through the pain of childbirth so that someone else can have a family; and she has done all this with a willing heart.

More than this, Julie has two girls of her own to raise. Fortunately, she had the support of her husband throughout the two surrogate pregnancies.

In an age when it is possible to worry that selfishness is the prime motive for many of our actions, Julie has done something so special for another couple - and she has put their needs and feelings above her own. She is, quite understandably, proud of what she has done.

Surrogacy is a potentially risky business which depends on a great deal of trust between all parties. With so much hope and emotion involved, there is always a chance that the deal can go wrong; after all, what could be more fraught than the exchange of a young human life?

The laws on surrogacy were called into question in May this year, after Yorkshirewoman Moira Greenslade was jailed at Leeds Crown Court when she offered her unborn baby for sale to three separate couples via the Internet.

Yet most cases still go through smoothly - and all thanks to women such as Julie Fisher.

Well done, Julie - you're a hero.

Updated: 12:14 Wednesday, July 14, 2004