At 11.47pm on July 25, 1978, Louise Brown was the first person ever to be born through science rather than as the result of two people having sex. The birth was hailed as a “miracle” by the world’s media, making her instantly famous worldwide.

Her birth created shockwaves for the church, politicians and the medical profession. Louise grew up at the centre of the debate about the ethics of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) while also being a beacon of hope to millions of childless couples across the world.

Her birth marked the culmination of a 10- year struggle by her parents Lesley and John Brown to start a family of their own. They went on to successfully have a second IVF treatment with Louise’s sister Natalie the 40^th IVF baby in the world. Natalie later became the first IVF baby to conceive a baby of her own naturally.

Louise regarded the pioneers Patrick Steptoe and Bob Edwards as grand-parents. Bob Edwards was eventually awarded a Nobel Prize in 2010 for his work in pioneering IVF through the birth of Louise. When Louise turned 40 in 2018 her birth and advances in fertility formed a major exhibition at The Science Museum, London.

Following the death of her parents and Robert Edwards Louise took on a role as figurehead and advocate for fertility. She has visited clinics and conferences on four continents.