Mum’s Final Wish: Donating Her Body to Science

Published: 12 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Talking about death with one’s parents is something few people ever want to face. Yet for journalist and daughter [Author Name], that difficult conversation arrived in the most unexpected way when her 86-year-old mother, Patsy Cohen, calmly revealed her wish to donate her body to medical science after she dies.

For many, such a conversation would feel deeply uncomfortable — but for Patsy, it was simply a practical, generous decision rooted in gratitude and purpose.

Even during her battle with bowel cancer a few years ago, when her family avoided confronting thoughts of loss, Patsy was already thinking ahead. She wanted to give something back to the medical professionals who had helped save her life.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them,” she said. “This is just my way of saying thank you.”

Her announcement shocked her daughter at first. Body donation was not something she had ever considered or even discussed before. Questions came flooding in: How would her body be used? Would there still be a funeral? Could the family visit a grave or say goodbye properly?

But Patsy, ever the realist, was determined. “I imagine a great big saw will come out and they’ll chop off a leg, but I don’t really mind,” she said with her trademark humour. Her calm acceptance, mixed with a touch of dry wit, reflected her lifelong pragmatism — and her belief that helping future doctors was more important than sentimentality.

Every year, around 1,300 people in the UK choose to donate their bodies to science, helping medical students learn anatomy, surgeons refine their skills, and researchers understand disease. Without such donors, many medical schools would struggle to offer the same level of hands-on education.

Curious and inspired, the journalist decided to explore what exactly would happen after her mother’s death. She visited Cardiff University’s anatomy centre, the very institution Patsy had registered with, to see what really happens to donated bodies and how they are treated.

The university granted rare behind-the-scenes access for her documentary. Cameras captured students and educators describing the profound respect they hold for their donors — known affectionately as their “silent teachers.”

Dr Hannah Shaw, who leads the anatomy education team, explained why real human bodies remain invaluable despite technological advances. “There really is no substitute for being able to see, touch and feel real anatomy,” she said. “Textbooks make everything look identical, but in reality, we’re all different — both outside and inside.”

She added that conditions such as cancer, arthritis, or hip replacements all shape the body uniquely, giving students a deeper understanding of what they will face in their medical careers.

However, the use of real bodies in medical teaching is gradually declining as 3D digital models and virtual anatomy tools become more common. Still, for educators like Dr Shaw and students like Freya Gillson, the human connection remains irreplaceable.

“Things in real life look completely different from what you expect,” said Freya, a 19-year-old medical student. “Working with donors is incredible. They are our first patients, and you do develop a connection with them.”

When a registered donor passes away, Cardiff University’s team ensures the body is brought to the anatomy centre as quickly as possible. After preservation, some parts may be retained for specialist teaching, provided the donor consented. Bodies can remain in the centre for up to three years before being returned to their families for cremation or burial.

Funeral arrangements are typically handled by a professional funeral director, with costs covered by the university. This means the donor’s family may have to wait a long time before a final farewell, an emotional challenge for some.

The family of Joy Sesay, another donor, shared that while they were proud of her choice, waiting for closure was difficult. “Her whole ethos was about helping others and being a good person,” said her daughter Jenny. With eight children and dozens of grandchildren, Joy’s family held memorial services while waiting for her cremation.

Granddaughter AJ described the experience as surreal. “It’s been strange because it hasn’t been the usual — go to the funeral and then move on. It felt like we were in limbo.”

Despite such emotional complexities, most families express deep pride in their loved one’s final act of generosity. For many, it transforms grief into purpose.

Yet, interest in body donation has declined in recent years. Cardiff University reports a 50% drop in registrations since 2020, though 154 people still signed up in 2024. Experts attribute the fall partly to the pandemic, as health restrictions and misinformation made people more hesitant.

Not everyone can donate. Certain medical conditions or post-mortem procedures can make bodies unsuitable for study. That’s why universities strongly recommend discussing the decision with family members in advance — both for legal clarity and emotional understanding.

At the end of each academic year, Cardiff University hosts a memorial service for families and students. The event allows medical students to reflect on their experiences and express gratitude to those who taught them through their final gift.

“Seeing the photos of our donors with their families made it so real,” said Freya, the student. “It’s a very poignant moment. Everyone realises that this journey has come to an end — and that we’ve been part of something deeply human.”

For Joy’s family, the memorial brought comfort. “You think it’s a one-off gift — that it ends with death,” said Joy’s daughter Carol. “But in truth, it’s the start of something far bigger. Her body will help not just doctors, but countless future patients. The impact is enormous.”

As for Patsy, she remains lively and defiant in her late 80s — enjoying her daily walks, reading, and the occasional glass of wine. Her humour is intact, and so is her resolve. “When I’m not here, I don’t want to be wasted,” she said. “If I can help make a better doctor, then I’ll be doing something good.”

For her daughter, the experience has been unexpectedly transformative. Understanding her mother’s decision — and seeing firsthand how donated bodies are honoured — has brought her peace rather than fear.

“It will be heartbreaking when the time comes to say goodbye,” she admitted. “But knowing what will happen, and knowing she’ll keep helping others even after she’s gone, gives me comfort and pride.”

The journey has even inspired her to register as a donor herself. “It feels right,” she said. “Mum has taught me one final lesson — that death doesn’t have to be the end of giving.