First test tube baby mother Lesley Brown dies

Louise Brown celebrated her 30th birthday in 2008 with her mum
 Lesley, son Cameron and IVF pioneer Prof Robert Edwards

Lesley Brown, 64, who made history in July 1978 when her daughter Louise was born at Oldham General Hospital as a result of first ever IVF treatment, has died.

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 Robert Edwards, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010, and Patrick Steptoe.

She leaves 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.

Louise Brown said: "Mum was a very quiet and private person who ended up in the world spotlight because she wanted a family so much.

"We are all missing her terribly."

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.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Edwards and the team at the clinic, chief executive Mike Macamee said: "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.

"She was a lovely, gentle lady and we will all remember her with deep affection."