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Claire Crumbleholme is Bequeathals Manager at the Human Anatomy Resource Centre.
Every two years we host a Service of Thanksgiving that is dedicated to all those who donated their bodies and who have thus contributed, even after death, to the benefit of future generations.
On Monday 13 May, we gathered at the Victoria Gallery & Museum to remember and honour 47 individuals who generously donated their bodies to medical science over the past two years. Our Service of Thanksgiving provides a moment of reflection and gratitude for the immense contribution these donors have made to the education and training of future healthcare professionals.
Speakers representing students, healthcare professionals, and relatives took part in the service. I was given the role of opening the service and joined the other speakers to collectively honour the legacy of our donors and celebrate their lasting impact.
Nick Charles, General Practitioner, shared a poignant message, saying: "Whilst I cannot thank the donors, I can thank you, their family and friends, for their gift. This gift enables the continued education of the current and future healthcare professionals who may one day be looking after you and me."
Professor Nathan Jeffery, Director of HARC, emphasised the significance of their contributions "Let us be in no doubt, the generous act of donation helps save and improve lives. So, I give thanks to our silent teachers, our silent colleagues, and our silent mentors."
A special arrangement of 47 flowers was commissioned, with each flower representing the legacy of one donor. Each family was invited to take a flower and lay it in a special memorial garden.
We invite you to watch the "Tree of Knowledge" video from the service, which will be available on our website soon. This video highlights the far-reaching benefits of body donation, and its imagery encapsulates the symbol used in our pin badge—a gift that guests were able to take away as a keepsake.
Many guests mentioned how much they enjoyed hearing donor stories and meeting other families. If you haven't had the chance to see them yet, you may wish to visit our Silent Teacher - body donor stories where you’ll find videos featuring relatives, staff, and students.