Instructions for next of kin or executors if a donation is accepted

The Bequest Office provide ongoing support to next of kin or executors throughout the donation process. If a donor is accepted then the Bequest Office will arrange transport of the body to the University through our funeral directors. Next-of-kin or family do not usually need to make these arrangements.

At the time of acceptance, the Bequest Office will send the next of kin/executors the following documents to complete and return. The receipt of these documents is a condition of us accepting the donation. If we do not receive these documents within 14 days of registration of the death, we will be required to decline the bequest.

• Register the death with the Registrar and inform them of the wishes of the deceased. The registrar will issue you with a death certificate. The registrar may issue you with a green certificate (Certificate of Burial or Cremation) or the registrar may send the green certificate to the Bequest Office directly by email or post.
• You will be sent Cremation 1 (Application for Cremation form) and the form ‘Instructions for the disposal of a donated body’. This paperwork will allow a cremation service to take place. Next of kin or executors can confirm whether they wish to be informed of the time of cremation, attend the cremation or take possession of the ashes. The Bequest Office will arrange the cremation based on the information provided on this form.

Return the following forms to the Bequest Office, School of Anatomy, University of Bristol, 32 Southwell Street, Bristol, BS2 8EJ.

• Copy or photocopy of the death certificate
• Original or electronic copy of the green disposal certificate
• Completed Cremation 1 (Application for cremation form) form
• Completed ‘Instructions for the disposal of a donated body’ form