MEDICAL BACKUP? Why you still may need a funeral when donating your body to science

Those who choose to donate their body to medical science should consider taking steps to arrange a funeral in case the body is not accepted, claims UK direct cremation specialist Celebration of Life.
Around 1,300 bodies are donated to medical science in the UK every year, thanks to considerate and selfless decisions to help train the next generation of doctors and advance medical research.
But those thinking about this route for their end-of-life planning must remember to make alternative plans, according to Peter Shuttleworth, General Manager at Celebration of Life, which specialises in direct cremation – where the body is cremated without a ceremony or mourners as well as direct cremation funeral plans.
Peter Shuttleworth said: “Helping medical schools train doctors and allowing researchers to better understand anatomy and develop new procedures and treatments is a wonderful legacy.
“Professors of anatomy call these donors ‘silent teachers’, which evokes the passing of the gift of knowledge even after death.
“However, while there is high demand for body donors, a significant proportion are rejected for reasons such as medical conditions, timing, or capacity, so having another option is crucial. And even when the body is accepted, it doesn’t always cover the full range of practical and emotional needs that come with end-of-life planning.
“Not all institutions manage the cremation process themselves and some require that a funeral director is appointed to collect the body and handle the cremation after the donation process is complete.”
A direct cremation plan acts as a backup or a way of complementing your donation by reducing costs for the institution.
“In this scenario, your direct cremation plan with us would still be used,” Peter Shuttleworth adds. “We would work directly with the institution to carry out the cremation as planned to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones aren’t left with unexpected stress or costs.”
Celebration of Life offers a prepaid direct cremation plan that is not only fully inclusive of all costs that would be needed for a direct cremation service. It also offers a full refund if the plan is no longer needed when a donation to medical science takes place and the cremation is taken care of as part of the process. So you’re fully covered no matter the outcome.
Direct cremation is growing in popularity because it allows families to hold a personalised farewell event that is more tailored to the departed’s life and beliefs than a traditional funeral.
Others opt for the cost-effective service because they don’t want their family to suffer the financial burden of unexpected funeral costs.
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Editor’s Note:
Picture available on request.
For further information contact Celeste Clarke at Century PR on 07799064066 or email celeste@centurypr.co.uk.