Jean Purdy now as nurse's pivotal role in IVF history highlighted in Netflix film 'Joy'

Joy, now available on Netflix, is an inspiring film that tells the story of Jean Purdy (portrayed by Thomasin McKenzie). In 1968, she applies for a job managing a research lab in Cambridge, England, unaware of the significant role she will play in the pioneering team that developed IVF.

Jean is employed by the forward-thinking scientist Bob Edwards (James Norton), and they form a close professional bond. Together, they convince esteemed surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy) to assist them in making a groundbreaking advancement in IVF.

Despite Patrick joining the project, many in the scientific and medical community remain doubtful. With limited funding, Jean's responsibilities increase as she embarks on a mission that spans a decade.

Jean Purdy's crucial involvement in this revolutionary discovery has largely been ignored until now. However, Joy aims to honour her invaluable contribution to science.

The real Jean Purdy played an increasingly important role in the development of IVF. It was Jean who first observed a fertilised egg dividing to create new cells.

Jean co-authored 26 papers with Steptoe and Edwards, and during her career, a total of 370 IVF children were conceived.

Sadly, she died at Addenbrooke's Hospital when she was only 39 years old in March 1985. She had been ill for a brief period with skin cancer.

Even whilst grappling with illness, Jean had a room set up for her at the Bourn Hall Clinic to enable her to continue working.

Jean's final resting place is in Grantchester, Cambridgeshire, beside her mother and grandmother.

In honour of her contributions, University College London dedicated their MRes Reproductive Science and Women's Health award to her memory.

Despite being instrumental in IVF's inception, Jean was frequently overshadowed, possibly due to her untimely passing.

Efforts to commemorate her achievements initially faced hurdles; proposals for a plaque twice failed to mention her pivotal role.

But in 2018, as IVF marked its 40th milestone, Bourn Hall Clinic finally unveiled a tribute recognising Jean as the "world's first IVF nurse and embryologist. Co-founder of Bourn Hall Clinic".

The life-story of this pioneering figure is now chronicled in 'Joy', available for streaming on Netflix.

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