SEVEN North-East women who donated eggs as part of a world-first medical research programme were expecting babies, in July 2008.

The women donated eggs in return for cut-price in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment at the Newcastle Fertility Centre.

The eggs are being used by the North-East England Stem Cell Institute (Nesci) – a collaboration between Durham and Newcastle universities – for pioneering research into stem cell therapies.

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The egg sharing programme has been condemned by groups opposed to stem cell research. However, it has meant that North-East scientists have access to a much larger pool of donated human eggs.

This has given them an international advantage in the race to develop treatments for conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Professor Alison Murdoch, who is leading the project at Nesci, said: “We are delighted that this scheme has enabled so many couples to have a family from IVF treatment.

“Patients are telling us they wouldn’t have been having IVF if it wasn’t for the research. We find that couples coming forward are really considering what it means and whether it is the right option for them.

“Their choice to take part in the egg-sharing scheme means that important research is able to progress and we hope these successes will encourage other people to come forward.”

A 17,000 crowd at Darlington Arena got in the spirit of Sir Elton John's performance on July 5, 2008, with wigs and large glasses being worn by many members of the crowd.

Even the weather refused to ruin the proceedings.

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The thunder and lightning that rocked the skies minutes before Sir Elton, born Reg Dwight, took to the stage seemed not so much portents of doom but rather celestial applause for the Rocket Man.

He got the crowd on side from the beginning by praising the quality of the stadium.

The audience was his and, for the most part, sang along with his every word.