Macabre is obviously in the eye of the beholder because I thought the “Real Bodies” exhibition at the NEC was educational, thought-provoking and tastefully artistic. I can’t tell if Elena Ruston, who wants to outlaw the exhibition, has ever actually viewed it or is one of those who kicked up a similar fuss about the Professor Gunther Von Hagen’s’ “Korperwelten” exhibition which visited the UK in 2002, leading to the Daily Mirror querying whether it was ‘gratuitous gore … or the most amazing art exhibition ever?’
As a biologist I was really impressed by the exhibits, facts presented (did you know a red blood cell goes round your body in 20 seconds and that all your arteries veins and capillaries stretch a total of 60,000 miles, equivalent of 2.5 times around the world!) and philosophical thoughts on life. It also ended with information on to how one could leave one’s own body to science – legally, as I’m sure the bodies in the exhibition were acquired. I have already completed and lodged the necessary forms to donate my body to Birmingham University Anatomy Department so that the young medics of the future can develop their surgical skills on my lifeless corpse, providing my organs haven’t been used for transplantation to benefit other living humans before that of course. Might it not also have been the case that Chinese citizens had signed forms of consent so that their bodies be preserved for the education of future generations.
John Edwards
Welford Road
Shirley
We’d like to invite your more adventurous readers to join us on our Lake District challenge next Spring and help save lives and rebuild futures shattered by meningitis.
They’ll conquer eight peaks, all above 3,000 feet, over two days. It will require energy, commitment and a positive attitude, but will reward those taking part with breath-taking views, wrapped up in a serious adventure and a weekend they’ll never forget – there’s a great team spirit amongst those taking part and many come away from the challenge having made lifelong friends.
Every step they take will also help us to fight meningitis and move us closer to our vision of a future where no one in the UK dies from this devastating disease and everyone affected gets the support they need. If they know someone who’s had meningitis then this is a perfect way for them to show their support.
Registration is just £49 with a fundraising pledge of £500. Accommodation, food, travel and the support of a qualified and experienced mountain leader and safety team are all included, and I’ll be there to support you throughout your fundraising journey. It takes place between Thursday 2 and Sunday 5 May next year.
Those interested in joining us can find out more at www.MeningitisNow.org or by emailing me at [email protected]
Michaela Ifill
Meningitis Now
