Joanne Greig (pictured), 33, and her partner Robert Irvine, 30, say they have been refused the NHS-funded treatment – because Joanne already has a child.

The pair, who live in Faifley, have always dreamed of having a family after being together for seven years.

However, at the age of 21, Robert was diagnosed with testicular cancer, a deadly illness which almost took his life.

He was forced to undergo a series of gruelling operations to help keep him alive — ones that would eventually leave him infertile.

Doctors told Robert the operation meant he would be unable to conceive naturally, but advised him to freeze his sperm.

But despite Joanne and Robert’s hope for an alternative method to have children together, the couple have been left heartbroken over the latest decision from the health authority.

He said: “We went to the Princes Royal Hospital two weeks ago with hope, now we’ve been left in bits. To be told no to something we’ve wanted for so long — then have it taken away — makes me really angry.” His long-term partner Joanne — who is cousins with soap beauty Michelle Keegan — said the couple were told the refusal was because they did not fit the criteria of being ‘childless.’ The Glasgow City Council worker, who has a seven-year-old son Mario from a previous relationship, said she has been left “devastated” by the news.

“In a way it has made me feel as though it’s my fault,” Joanne added.

“When we left the hospital, we instantly started arguing, it was so blunt the way they told us.

“I take care of my son and Robert and I both work hard – why are we being punished, simply because I have another child?

“We’re determined to fight against this. Robert is great with children and he shouldn’t be told he can’t because of cancer.” The couple are one of thousands in the UK denied the chance to start a baby because of increasingly tough restrictions on IVF funding by the NHS.

However Joanne and Robert say they are “determined” to fight against it. Robert added: “It has put us under a lot of stress but we desperately want a family.

“Everyone is always saying how great I am with kids — even Mario keeps asking when we’re bringing back a baby sister for him.

“I think it’s terrible that they can do this to people just because Joanne has another child already.

“Now we’re left with the option of having to find thousands of pounds to pay for IVF treatment.” A spokeswoman for NHS Glasgow and Greater Clyde said: “Like all NHS assisted conception services we comply fully with the national eligibility criteria which states clearly that ‘couples must have no child living with them in their home’ in order to qualify for NHS Scotland funded treatment.

“Our staff are very clear with patients as to the national eligibility criteria for assisted conception treatment funded by the NHS and we can confirm that at no time did our staff advise this couple wrongly as to their eligibility.

“Nonetheless we understand absolutely the sensitivity of these issues for couples and have provided information to the couple regarding their options for private treatment.”