Joy is now airing on Netflix and the emotional film follows three pioneers in science and medicine who spent a decade developing IVF so infertile mothers could have children. In the film, renowned surgeon Patrick (played by Bill Nighy) is called upon by visionary scientist Bob Edwards (James Norton).
He is keen for Patrick to help him achieve the extraordinary breakthrough of in vitro fertilisation. Patrick joins the mission, but the scientific and medical communities remain sceptical and show a lack of faith and support.
The real Patrick Steptoe became the Director of the Centre for Human Reproduction, Oldham, in 1969. Here, he started his work with volunteering infertile women.
Finally, in 1978, the first test-tube baby was born and in order to train more specialists, Patrick helped set up the Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridgeshire in 1980. He worked there as a Medical Director until his death.
He died …