A woman has spoken of her agonising dilemma – to start a family knowing pregnancy could kill her or face a lifetime of anguish, longing for a baby.

Jennifer Cockerill and husband David were warned there was a real danger even if she survived the nine months, she might not make it through labour.

Jennifer, 30, suffers from a rare and potentially-deadly heart condition and experts feared her organs could buckle under the extra strain of carrying a child.

The couple, from Sandy Lane, Accrington, decided to take the risk and try for a baby only to endure five miscarriages over a traumatic three-year period, starting in 2005.

But despite their tragedy, they refused to give up the dream of becoming parents and eventually conceived for a sixth time.

They were placed under the care of specialists at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester.

Jennifer was scanned every fortnight and had regular check-ups at the hospital to monitor her heart and her unborn child’s development.

And their unique approach paid off, with Jennifer giving birth to son Alfie in July 2009.

Now, two years on, he is a happy and healthy toddler and has not inherited his mum’s heart problem.

Jennifer said: “There was a massive risk that my heart could fail under the strain of pregnancy but we really wanted a family together.

“It was a risk and we had to think very carefully about it. I’d always known about my condition but it wasn’t until I got older and met David that I started to think about the possible consequences of becoming pregnant.

“It wasn’t an easy decision and we were really upset when we had the miscarriages – it was just one setback after another, but we wanted it so badly.

“We are so grateful – everyone says their children are special but Alfie really is exceptional. We feel so lucky to have him.”

Amazingly, Alfie was born entirely healthy at 34 weeks, weighing 4lb 5oz, and was allowed home just a fortnight later.

Last Friday was Alfie’s second birthday and the family spent the day at Blackpool Zoo.

The animal-lover regularly volunteers with his mum at Hyndburn Stray Dogs In Need and last year was given an award for being the charity’s youngest volunteer.

David, 29, added: “He is a cheeky little boy sometimes but he is a good boy as well.

“We both want another child but we know the risks and if something were to go wrong, it would be devastating so for now we have no plans for another baby and are very happy with the family we have with Alfie.”

Jennifer added: “Hopefully our story will offer hope to other couples who may have suffered miscarriages or have obstacles in their way. We didn’t give up hope and they shouldn’t either.”

Dr Sarah Vause, from St Mary’s, said: “The thing that we are most proud of is knowing that there are several women, like Jennifer, who now have children, who would not have embarked on, or survived the pregnancy had it not been for the service we provide.”