Tenby newly-weds Roger and Jayne Thomas have had double cause for celebration this week.

Not only were the couple married at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel on Saturday, but they are also expecting their first child as a result of pioneering new techniques in male fertility.

In 1977, at the age of 17-and-a-half, Roger suffered a serious spinal injury while playing rugby for Tenby's Greenhill School and has been wheelchair-bound ever since.

He and Jayne have been together for the last 10 years, but thought that, because of Roger's paralysis, they would be unable to have children.

However, thanks to new assisted fertility techniques, their dream has been realised and they are expecting their first child in February next year.

"Our story shows to other childless couples that you should never give up hope," 41-year-old Roger told the Observer this week.

Roger explained that around three years ago he started reading reports on new techniques which had allowed men who had been paralysed for many years to father a child.

"We realised that it could quite possibly work for us," he said.

After a referral at Bourne Hall clinic, the couple underwent treatment at Cardiff, but it was unsuccessful.

"They suggested that we tried using donor sperm, but neither of us wanted that," said 36-year-old Jayne.

"We were a bit despondent, but reading more into the research, we realised it could be a long haul," added Roger.

Using the Internet, Roger and Jayne learned about pioneering male fertility specialist Dr. Philip Werthman who worked in conjunction with female fertility expert Dr. Vicken Sahakian in Los Angeles.

"They seemed to have all the expertise we needed, with Dr. Werthman also pioneering new techniques in the microsurgery that would be required," Roger continued.

The ICSI technique involved an operation to extract sperm from Roger and then injecting it via superfine glass needles into several of Jayne's eggs, and the couple flew to Los Angeles earlier this year for treatment.

"Much to our anguish it again did not succeed," said Roger. "It was very hard to take the disappointment. However, we persevered and Jayne fell pregnant at the second attempt.

"The euphoria still hasn't gone away yet. It shows that persistence pays off and it also left us very sympathetic to what some people have to go through."

However, despite being overjoyed, the couple are saddened that Jayne's late parents, Harold and Francis Flynn, and Roger's late mother, Dilys, are unable to share in their happiness.

"It's been quite a rollercoaster ride emotionally for us and the family this year," admitted Roger. "Firstly there was the tragic death of my mother early in the year after a long battle with illness, then there was the first failed treatment.

"Now we have the happiness of not only getting married, but expecting a baby as well. My mother knew we were trying for a baby and she'd be overjoyed at the prospect of another grandchild if she were with us now.

"My father, Denzil, is over the moon, and he's been telling everyone down at the golf club!"

Jayne explained that the baby was due on Roger's birthday, February 28, coincidently two days after the first anniversary of his mother's death.

"It's as if the cycle of life is beginning again, and it shows that happy things can come along to compensate for life's sadnesses," she said.

Jayne told the Observer that mother and baby were doing well.

"I'm 23 weeks now and everything is progressing nicely. The baby has just started kicking and I can't believe how healthy I feel," she smiled. "In fact, the only drawback has been that I can't stand the sight of red wine anymore, and I used to love it!"

"Our whole experience has given us a greater insight into this and that infertility problems are more common than you think," said Roger. "However, our story shows that if you persist in your goal, things can come right in the end.

"Our news, and the wedding, has been a very emotional time for everybody.

"We're still amazed that it's all happened and we're extremely grateful to all the scientists, physicians and nurses involved in this miraculous treatment.

"We're also extremely grateful to all our family and friends for all their support and good wishes. They are just as excited as we are!"