Body donation centre receives 'record' inquiries

Alan Shawyer is proud his wife Ann, a former nurse, became a donor and wanted more people to consider it

A body donation centre in Nottingham has received a record number of inquiries after a donor's husband shared their story.

The National Repository Centre, based at the City Hospital, accepts donors who wish for their bodies to support medical education, training, and research when they die.

On Tuesday, the BBC shared the story of Alan Shawyer, whose late wife became a donor when she died in January, and who hoped others would consider the process.

Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, which runs the centre, said it has since received "record" inquiries from potential donors.

'Something to think about'

The centre, established in 2015, is one of a number that accept body donations in the UK, which are licensed by the regulator, the Human Tissue Authority.

Mark Curwood, senior anatomy technologist, said about two people made inquiries about body donation at the centre each month.

"On Tuesday, from 08:00 BST until 10:30, we had about 12 [inquiries]," Mr Curwood said.

By Thursday, a record 30 people had contacted the centre making inquiries about becoming body donors, he added.

"We were excited. It doesn't sound like a lot but it is quite significant.

"It's given people something to think about," he added.

Mr Curwood said the team cared greatly for families as well as their donors

People can choose to donate their bodies to the National Repository Centre, based at City Hospital, by filling in a consent form which covers the length of time a donor will support medical education, where they might be transferred and their funeral arrangements.

Ann Shawyer, became a donor when she died of cancer in January, aged 82.

The former nurse had worked at City Hospital, where she was also born, before returning there to continue "helping people" in death.

Her husband Mr Shawyer, who is also on the donor list, said donating their bodies had "never been a question".

"She became a silent teacher," Mr Shawyer said of his late wife.

He added it was "brilliant" more people had enquired about body donation, adding that he wished he could tell Mrs Shawyer of her impact.

"I just wanted people to consider it and that's what's happened," he said.