John Saint Ryan, who played Charlie Whelan in Coronation Street in the early 1990s, has died at the age of 72, but he will not have a funeral as he donated his body to science
Coronation Street’s John Saint Ryan, famed for his role as Charlie Whelan on the ITV soap during 1993-1994, has tragically passed away from a heart attack at 72. In an act of generosity, he won’t have a funeral because he’s bequeathed his body to science, his family announced.
In a heartfelt Facebook message, John’s wife Joyce shared: “I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April. We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible but unfortunately he did not survive. We are absolutely heart broken. John wanted to aid medical research and donated his body, so there will not be a funeral.”
Rather than a traditional send-off, the family is organising a celebration to honour John’s life. Joyce fondly remembered her husband as a “special Gentleman”.
Ever wondered about the process of donating your body to science?
Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, one must clearly state their intention to donate their body to science before passing away. This involves a written and witnessed statement, reports Leicestershire Live.
It’s a decision that must be made by the individual alone, as consent cannot be given by anyone else posthumously. Ideally, this choice should be communicated with family members in advance.
Folks can choose to donate their bodies to medical schools or research institutions for the purposes of anatomical examination, education, teaching, and research. If you’re keen on becoming a donor, you can grab a consent form from the school or establishment that tickles your fancy.
The Human Tissue Authority has pointed out that medical schools usually only accept body donations from their local area.
Medical schools might have specific criteria for accepting body donations, and things like a post-mortem examination could result in a donation being turned down. The HTA has also mentioned that medical schools “may hold committal, memorial or thanksgiving services” to honour those who have donated their bodies.
Besides whole-body donations, individuals can opt to donate their organs or tissues. Vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and small bowel can be donated, along with tissues such as corneas (eyes), heart valves, skin, bone, and tendons.
The NHS has revealed that during 2023 and 2024, they facilitated 4,651 transplants thanks to the generosity of donors. Despite this, there are still approximately 8,066 people currently on the UK Transplant Waiting List.
Sadly, last year saw 415 individuals pass away while waiting for a transplant.
Despite this, the NHS has stated that “most people do not die in circumstances that make it possible for them to donate their organs.”
Only around one per cent of individuals who pass away in the UK are suitable to become donors, with the NHS stating: “Donors are typically those who have died in a hospital intensive care unit or emergency department.”
Provided the body is viable for donation, surgery is carried out as soon as possible. This procedure takes place in a hospital theatre and is performed by specialist medics.
The NHS stresses that only the specified organs and tissues are removed from the donor. Any surgical incisions are subsequently closed and covered with a surgical dressing.
After the donation procedure has been completed, the body is prepared and returned to the family. The NHS says this process is handled “in the same way as any death in a hospital where donation has not taken place.”
Families are also offered the opportunity to spend time with their deceased loved one after the operation if they so wish.
Even in cases where a person has donated their body, families can still opt for an open-casket funeral. The affected areas are covered with surgical dressings, allowing for a dignified burial.
Under English organ donation law, all adults in England are considered potential donors unless they explicitly opt-out or are exempt. The NHS Organ Donor Register allows you to document your decision regarding organ donation.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
