Warning: This article contains material that some may find distressing
The woman who narrated her own corpse dissection in a groundbreaking Channel 4 documentary has said she found ‘peace’.
Toni Crews became the first person in the UK to become publicly dissected on television, having donated her body to science after developing cancer.
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Her story has been turned into a poignant Channel 4 documentary, My Dead Body, which aired last night (Monday 5 December) and left viewers in tears.
Toni died at the age of 30 in August 2020, having been diagnosed with a rare cancer in her tear gland in 2016.
Before she passed away, the mum-of-two agreed to donate her body to science in the hopes of helping other people who might be suffering from the same disease.
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Towards the end of the heartbreaking documentary, Toni says through narration that she has found ‘peace’ with her situation.
“I don’t know what I truly believe in,” she says.
“I don’t believe in a physical heaven or hell, but I believe our energy can live on, and this gives me peace for the future.”
Toni adds: “It’s been a difficult journey, but I’ve also had the most amazing time reconnecting with my family and friends. I may have lost an eye, but I can see more clearly than ever what’s important in life.”
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Earlier in the film, Toni says the cancer helped her ‘reevaluate’ her life, having been in an abusive relationship.
She also recalls how she’d wanted kids when she was young and ‘full of energy and healthy’.
In a letter to her two children, Toni says: “It’s Mummy here. Promise me you’ll always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and twice as beautiful as you ever imagine.
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“There will be good days and bad days, but remember to be kind and happy. Be grateful and gentle.
“Mummy will always love you.”
The documentary ends by revealing the incredible impact Toni’s donation has already had on medicine, saying she has taught 800 doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to date.
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Over the next five years, she will teach 8,000-10,000 more.
My Dead Body is available to watch now on All 4.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Health, Documentaries
Jess Hardiman