Donating oneself.

Just making it 14 posts.

Marelli Thank you for looking up your paperwork. It gives some indication as to what may happen. I do want to be cremated and for my son to dispose of my ashes in chosen areas so it's a relief to know that this could be done. I haven't had time yet to phone my nearest University but will do some time this week, but have my dad coming today.

I don't know how the service would go in their chapel as I am religious but my children are not, neither are the rest of my family, siblings. So I wonder if they would carry out my wishes of having a religious service or just go for a remembering service? Something else to talk over... Thanks again.

rubylady, (and Charleygirl) I've just checked the paperwork I received.
The examination must be completed within 3 years, or possibly the university may wish to retain a body part/s for a longer period or indefinitely for continued and training purposes,although you can state that you do not wish this to be happening after the three year period.
At the time of acceptance you will be asked to confirm that the eventual disposal of your body will be by cremation or burial, with either being conducted at the expense of the university.
Not all universities are able to offer burial but when it becomes clear at bequeathal that this is an issue, a potential donor can be directed to another department which can fulfil this need.
Families who have expressed the wish to have the ashes returned to them, receive these from the crematorium and can, if they so wish, scatter them at a location of their choice.
This is for people living in Scotland, so there may be different conditions for England.
They also suggest that any service that the family wish to have should take place soon after the death.
Once a year the university hold a service of thanksgiving in their chapel for those who have donated their bodies.

This is a brilliant idea, but I did wonder if there is an upper age limit for it.
I can't believe anyone would find my beat-up old body useful now.
But I do carry a donor card in the hope the bits of me might still help someone else. I greatly believe in carrying a donor card.... and I did register myself online.

That would not bother me in the least, and save funeral costs and bother- win win.

Marelli I could be 100% wrong but I was under the impression that if required, your body was cremated by them and the "bits" not necessarily given to your fasmily for disposal.

Thanks for your responses. You would think that they would want people with conditions so that they could study them. I will phone our nearest University and find out this week.

I am of an age now to take out insurance for funeral services etc. so would like to get it all done and dusted so that the children do not have to worry at the time.

Marelli How long is it from them using your body to being released back to the family, do you know? I understand from this programme that they still give back what is left, so to speak, for cremation. x

Somebody I know who is 85, has had major heart surgery but apart from that is fit, walking miles each day, has been trying to donate her body to science in London with no result. She has mildly swollen ankles and that was a no-no. From what I could gather, they wanted the body of a fit 21 year old and that is not possible at her age.

It would, granjura. In fact, even if there has had to be a post mortem, it's possible that the body can't be used for research. Also, if there have been certain illnesses, it still might not be used. Just have to hope for the best

I think it would be great if they could harvest the good usable bits- and then give the rest for students to study dissection, research, etc- but so far not possible.

I have donated myself. It meant that I had to contact the Organ Donation Register to have my name taken off it, because obviously as soon as I die, my body must be taken to the nearest university that would be accepting it and not to the nearest hospital where certain parts could be 'harvested'.

Well done, I think it is a brilliant idea. Unfortunately where I live I have to make the choice between multiple donations, and giving body to science. So far decided to multiple donations, but as I get older with more health problems, thinking of switching to plan B. Essential for student doctors to learn and practise.

hi ruby I think it's a good thing. We donated my daughter's hip (she was 15 when she had a hip replacement) so that some lessons could be learnt from her condition.

You've reminded me of a song by the folk singer John Prine, this is the chorus:

Please don't bury me down in the cold, cold ground
I'd rather have you cut me up and pass me all around
Throw my brain in a hurricane
The blind can have my eyes
And the deaf can have both my ears,
If they don't mind the size.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfBdMXhpQnU