Leaving More Than Your Money

Like millions of other Britons (although not nearly enough!) I regularly donate blood. I'm also on the bone marrow register (bit scary!) and the organ donation register so that in the event of my death my family aren't faced with making a decision about whether I'd want my useable bits and pieces given to someone in need.

But have you ever thought about what happens if you decide you want to donate your whole body to research and not just the organs for transplant purposes? Many people believe that they can simply express that wish in their Will and that their executors will sort it all out.

However, under the Human Tissue Act 2004, which came into force in 2006, anyone who wants to donate their body to medical science must give his or her written consent. Consent cannot be given by anyone else after death - so you cannot give an instruction in your Will (well you can but it may well not be accepted by any medical school or research facility).

A consent form can be obtained from your local medical school and a copy should be kept with your will. You should also tell family, close friends and your GP that you wish to donate your body so that the necessary steps can be taken as soon as possible following your death.

More cheery subjects next time!