University pays tribute to body donors

23 Apr 2009

Service of Thanksgiving at Holy Name Church on 29 April

Service of Thanksgiving for Body Donors
Holy Name Church, Oxford Road, Manchester
10.30am for 10.45am, Wednesday 29 April 2009

The University of Manchester is holding a Service of Thanksgiving in memory of the selfless and public-spirited people who have donated their bodies for the teaching of anatomy to its medical, dental and science students in the past academic year.

It is the second such Service, which is expected to become an annual event.

Each year the University accepts a number of bodies of people from the Manchester area who have indicated prior to their death that they wish to donate their bodies for this purpose.

Professor of Anatomy Alan Crossman, at the University’s Faculty of Life Sciences, said: “This selfless and public-spirited action benefits the education of around 2,000 students each year.

“Our first Service last year was attended by approximately 400 people. These included many relatives and friends of the deceased, current students, academic, administrative, postgraduate and support staff, senior University representatives, senior civic officials and clergy.

“The feedback we received made it clear that the Service was greatly appreciated by the families of the donors.”

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. It is non-denominational and members of the congregation do not need to be of any particular religious affiliation or, indeed, to hold any religious belief, to attend the Service.

For more information, contact:

• Media Relations Officer Mikaela Sitford on 0161 275 2111