PROUD mum-to-be Nighat Farooq had almost given up hope of having a child after two failed IVF treatments.

But her disappointing turned to joy when she became pregnant - naturally.

The 29-year-old and her husband Mohammed had been trying to start a family with the help of the IVF programme but two attempts, paid for by the NHS, proved unsuccessful.

She said: "I was in the process of preparing for my third and final attempt at IVF in March when their were problems.

"I kept getting upset so my husband said enough was enough and that I needed a rest. I was really down and never thought I would be pregnant by the end of the year." Nighat decided to go on a three month holiday to Pakistan to see family. During her stay she went to see a holy man every week.

"The holy man read my hand and forehead and told me I would have four children," explained Nighat who runs Eastern Touch takeaway, Railway Road, Darwen, with her husband.

"In October he said I should be with my husband as the last fifteen days of the month were crucial. A week or so after I came home a pregnancy test proved positive. I cried with joy."

The delighted couple are now looking forward to welcoming their new arrival in July.

Nighat added: "I can't say for sure that all the praying the holy man did worked, maybe it was just having a good rest that helped. Whatever the reason we are just glad to be having a baby at last."

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