What happens when you donate your body after death - as Coronation Street star has 'no funeral'

The family of actor John Saint Ryan, who , confirmed that he would not have a funeral as his body will be donated to science.

John's wife, Joyce, shared the heartbreaking news of his passing on and wrote: "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."

Joyce added that there would be a "celebration of his wonderful life" before describing her husband as a "special Gentleman". With the news of John donating his body to science, we've taken a look at what exactly happens...

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The choice to donate your body for medical research is made before death, and consent must be given through a written statement Under the Human Tissue Act 2004. The statement must be signed and dated by the donor as well as a witness. Consent cannot be given by anyone else after death. This is a big decision that should be discussed with family or loved ones.

The body can be donated to a medical school or research establishment for anatomical examination, education, teaching and research. Those who wish to be a donor can be provided with a consent form from the school or establishment they wish to donate their body to. According to medical schools that accept donated bodies typically only accept donations within their local area.

Medical schools may have different requirements for the body donations they can accept. A post-mortem examination can be one reason why the donation may be declined. The HTA shared that medical schools "may hold committal, memorial or thanksgiving services" for those who have donated their bodies.

Alternatively, you can donate your body for organ or tissue donations. Organs such as the , lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and small bowel can be donated, while tissue donations can include the cornea (eye), heart valves, skin, bone, and tendons.

The revealed that in 2023 and 2024, they carried out 4,651 transplants thanks to donors. However, it's estimated that around 8,066 people are currently on the UK Transplant Waiting List, and sadly, 415 people lost their lives while waiting for a transplant last year.

Despite this, the NHS states that "most people do not die in circumstances that make it possible for them to donate their organs." This means that only about 1 in 100 people who pass away in the UK can become donors. The NHS clarifies: "Donors are typically those who have died in a hospital intensive care unit or emergency department."

If the body is suitable for donation, an operation is carried out as soon as possible after death. The donation procedure takes place in a regular operating theatre and is performed by specialist surgeons. The NHS assures that only the organs and tissues specified by the donor and agreed upon by the family are removed. After the operation, any surgical incisions are carefully stitched up and covered with a dressing.

After the procedure has taken place, the says that the body is returned to the family "in the same way as any death in a hospital where donation has not taken place." They also mention that families can choose to spend time with their deceased loved one post-operation if they wish.

For those who have donated their body, an open-casket funeral remains a possibility. The areas affected by the donation procedure are covered with surgical dressings, and the body is appropriately dressed for burial.

According to the English organ donation law, all adults in England are viewed as potential organ donors unless they choose to opt-out or belong to one of the excluded groups. You can note your decision on the