The heartwarming journey of Damian, 33, and Pasan Fernando, 36, to start a family took an unexpected turn when they found themselves stranded in Cyprus after spending $107,000 to have twins via surrogate. The couple’s dream of parenthood began six years ago, with a desire to expand their family leading them to explore surrogacy options both in the UK and abroad.
Struggles in the UK
Despite their best efforts to find a surrogate in the UK, Damian and Pasan faced challenges due to the legal framework surrounding surrogacy. In the UK, surrogacy law requires the surrogate to initiate contact with intended parents, leading the couple to join various organizations and social groups in hopes of finding a match. Despite their proactive approach, the couple did not receive any offers from potential surrogates.
A Leap of Faith Abroad
After years of unsuccessful attempts in the UK, Damian and Pasan decided to explore surrogacy options abroad. In September 2023, they were financially ready to consider international surrogacy and received a recommendation for the World Center of Baby in Cyprus. Following a consultation with the agency in October 2023, the couple flew out to Cyprus in December to begin the process.
In Cyprus, Pasan’s sperm was used to fertilize eggs from a donor chosen to resemble Damian. The couple chose an egg donor in January 2024, leading to the fertilization of the eggs and the creation of three viable embryos. By March 2024, Damian and Pasan were matched with a surrogate and received the news of a twin pregnancy in April 2024.
Stranded in Cyprus
The couple’s journey took a challenging turn after the birth of their twins, River and Liko, on January 3, 2025. Despite their excitement, Damian and Pasan faced bureaucratic hurdles when attempting to secure passports for the newborns to return home to St Albans, Hertfordshire. A series of miscommunications, misplaced documents, and delays left the couple stranded in Cyprus, unable to reunite their twins with their extended family.
The emotional toll of the situation was evident in Damian’s frustration, as he expressed concerns over the avoidable errors that prolonged their stay in Cyprus. The couple, who had prepared for the financial strain of surrogacy, found themselves facing additional costs due to the extended stay, moving between multiple Airbnb accommodations while trying to navigate the complex passport application process.
Despite the challenges, Damian and Pasan remained hopeful and resilient, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and vigilance for couples considering surrogacy. Their story serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties that can arise during the surrogacy journey, offering a beacon of hope for others navigating similar paths towards parenthood.
As Damian and Pasan await resolution and the safe return home of their twins, their unwavering determination and positive outlook shine through, underscoring the enduring bond between parents and children. The couple’s journey is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the unwavering hope that propels families forward in the face of adversity.
