A NORTH Yorkshire couple have appealed for a kind-hearted woman to become an egg donor for them so they can have a family.

The pair, who want to remain anonymous, have been married for three years and are unable to conceive because the 46-year-old woman has entered the menopause prematurely.

There is a three-year waiting list for donor eggs, but if she waits she will be 49 and too old to receive IVF treatment.

The couple have no family members or friends who could be an egg donor.

"We met each other late in life. We'd been trying to conceive since we got married, but didn't seem to be successful," said the would-be dad.

"It's a shame when we've got so much love to give to a child.

"Our ages are against us. Finding a donor egg is our last chance of having a natural family. We'd love a child.

"We both love children."

His wife said: "I've always wanted children.

" I've had to wait all this time to meet my Mr Wonderful and now age goes against us and we can't have a baby to complete our family.

"We need someone to come forward who genuinely wants to give. They've got to really want to help us. We realise it's a lot to ask."

The couple have considered adoption, but desperately want a baby of their own, and fear that younger couples will be chosen before them in the adoption process. An egg donor would have to be married, aged between 21 and 35 and preferably already have a family of their own.

For more information about becoming a donor, log on to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority website at www.hfea.gov.uk or phone 020 737 75077.

Anyone who wants to help the North Yorkshire couple directly should email malton@ycp.co.uk or phone 01653 690610.

Updated: 10:37 Monday, May 17, 2004