Service of thanksgiving for body donors
24 April 2009
The University of Manchester is to hold its second annual service of thanksgiving for people who have donated their bodies for medical research in the past year.
Each year the University accepts a number of human bodies, which are used to teach anatomy to our medical, dental and science students. The bodies are those of people from the Manchester area who have indicated, prior to their death, that they wish to donate their bodies for this purpose.
This selfless and public-spirited action benefits the education of around 2000 students each year.
“Last year the University introduced what we hope will be an annual Service of Thanksgiving, in memory of those who have donated their bodies to the University in the previous academic year,” said Alan Crossman, Professor of Anatomy. “The Service is unrelated to the final committal or funeral service of any individual, but, rather, is intended as an opportunity for the public-spirited actions of the donors to be acknowledged.
“The Service last year was attended by about 400 people, including many relatives and friends of the deceased, current students, academics, senior University representatives, senior civic officials and clergy. From the feedback we received, it is clear that the Service was greatly appreciated by the families of the donors.”
The Service this year will be held at 10:30am for 10:45am on Wednesday 29 April, in the Holy Name Church, adjacent to the Stopford Building.
“This will be a non-denominational Service and all are most welcome to attend,” added Professor Crossman.