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Gerrard Kaonga
An elderly British couple have chosen to donate their bodies to science when they die for a simple reason.
British couple, Peter and Jane Dick are hoping when they die they will be useful to the scientific community.
While Speaking on the UK morning TV show, This Morning, on February 3 the couple explained why they were not opting for a traditional burial.
Peter said: “Sadly some of my friends think I am a lunatic but the reality is some people in my age group are starting to think about it.
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“I have had the benefit of the medical world solving both bowel cancer and prostate cancer so having realized what an amazing world doctors are I wanted to do something to train the next lot.”
However, the pair are also aware of the increasing funeral costing, with host Ben Shephard noting that the average cost of funerals has risen to over £4,000.
By donating their bodies to science, they could avoid paying these costs in the event of their death.
Jane admitted that she was initially surprised about the idea before coming around to it.
She said: “When I thought about it, I saw it as a completely rational decision. We are all going to die at some point.
“My feeling is if your body can be of you, for training the next generation of doctors, then that is a positive outcome you can take from somebody sadly passing away.”
Peter went on to admit that his reasoning for donating his body wasn’t entirely altruistic, however.
He also noted he was able to make a rather large purchase in the money he was able to save, now no longer needing a funeral.
After some prodding from the host, he admitted what he wanted to buy, half-jokingly asking whether he was allowed to say it.
He initially said: “Saving money is always a good idea but in the reality of my case, I wanted to complete the circle, having being a beneficiary of the medical world.
“...Yes I did want a big television, It is only a 60 inch, it is wonderful.”
Despite the pair’s hopes, the donation is not guaranteed, as the medical schools can decline the body due to medical condition reasons.
Some people have praised the pair for their decision on social media and are thankful the couple may be able to help in the scientific community.
One user on YouTube said: “I think this is a great idea. I would do it! I have a terminal cancer that is rare.
“I would be very proud to know that there is a possibility of helping the survivors of this particularly cancer finding a cure quicker.”
With another simply stating: “This is amazing.”