Valentine's evening with a twist is a heart-stopping success

Dr Kat Sanders of Hull York Medical School

A city-centre pub in Hull was transformed into a science lab on Valentine’s Day last week, as Hull York Medical School anatomist Dr Kat Sanders performed a live dissection of a cow’s heart in front of a sold-out audience.

Attendees at the Sailmaker’s Arms in Hull’s Old Town were given a rare look at the inner workings of our body’s most important organ, as Dr Sanders revealed what truly makes us tick, how the blood circulates, and the real purpose of our heartstrings.

The alternative Valentine’s experience was part of the Anatomy Nights series of events taking place in public spaces up and down the country, which aim to give members of the public the opportunity to learn all about the human body.

Dr Sanders said: ‘The events, which I co-created with Janet Philp from Edinburgh University, were a great success, with tickets selling out in Brighton, Dundee, Lancaster, Edinburgh and Hull. People were fascinated by the dissection, and it was great to see so many non-experts come out to discover more about the human body. We even raised £780 through ticket sales for the British Heart Foundation.

This kind of event not only gives people the chance to hear from experts first hand, it also allows researchers and academics like me to showcase the amazing work that goes on at Hull York Medical School, whether it’s cutting-edge medical education or life-changing research into diseases like cancer.

Attendee Peter Wells said: ‘We had a great time. It was fun but educational, and much more memorable than a traditional Valentine’s date. It’s not often you get to see a live dissection in the local pub – we can’t wait to see what’s next.’

Speaking about the future of the Anatomy Nights series, Dr Sanders said:

We’ve got some exciting plans in the works, and we’re looking forward to revealing details of the next event, where we’re hoping to be joined by anatomists from as far afield as Australia and the United States. Watch this space!

This event was part-funded by, and supported by volunteers from, the Hull branch of the British Science Association.