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The British woman who gave birth to the world’s first test tube baby has died. She was 64. Lesley Brown, who lived in Whitchurch, Bristol, made history in July 1978 when her daughter Louise was born following pioneering in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, at Oldham General Hospital. Brown had tried ‘in vain’ for a baby with her husband John for nine years before she decided to look at other options. She died at the Bristol Royal Infirmary on 6 June with her family by her side, it has been announced. She successfully conceived following pioneering treatment by Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards. She has left behind daughters Louise and Natalie, who were both born following IVF treatment, her stepdaughter Sharon and five grandchildren, her husband died five years ago. A private funeral service was held in Bristol on Wednesday morning. “Mum was a very quiet and private person who ended up in the world spotlight because she wanted a family so much,” the BBC quoted Louise Brown as saying. “We are all missing her terribly,” she said. Dr Steptoe and Prof Edwards set up the Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridge two years after Louise Brown’s birth. It is now a leading centre for IVF treatment. Brown, had become a part of medical history, when in 1978 she gave birth to her “test tube baby,” she also gave birth to IVF treatment and gave hope to millions of childless couples. Her daughter Louise was the first of what stands at around four million children born through in vitro fertilisation. “Lesley was a devoted mum and grandmother and through her bravery and determination many millions of women have been given the chance to become mothers,” chief executive Mike Macamee said. “She was a lovely, gentle lady and we will all remember her with deep affection,” he added.

Mum of world’s first test-tube baby dies at 64