Pearson and partner Danielle Beazer have suffered two miscarriages and a further failed IVF cycle in recent months, with treatments costing the couple thousands of pounds. Pearson played midfield for Yeovil for almost a decade before later moving into officiating, while Beazer is a former Bristol and Keynsham defender. As a result of their experiences, their knowledge of the complex landscape facing would-be mothers in same-sex couples in England has grown considerably, and their campaign is aimed at helping others in similar scenarios who are attempting to navigate the system. "I decided to use my football platform to try to make a difference for other same-sex couples coming through, because it's not been an easy journey for us." "A lot of people go through things in silence, things they don't talk about," said Pearson.

Source: Sky sports May 07, 2021 21:00 UTC