Livin' in a cardboard coffin for charity

Bob Follen, 36, will be living in the casket for 100 hours over the Pushing Up Daisies festival which runs all week.

Mr Follen is the man behind the stunt in support of Overgate Hospice, Elland, and is doing it because, as his Just Giving page says, ‘in 2016, to just not DO anything is not right.’

He said: “I will be in the coffin for a whole week - only getting out for the toilet and to sleep.

“As a model maker it seemed like a good idea for me to make the coffin myself and bring it into the church,” he added.

“I see this as a chance to rest and wanted to do this as a visual thing for visitors to come and see.

“It has been a very moving act and people have really appreciated what I have put together - it is quite an intricate time for people.

“A lot of work has been put into this project and it is really nice to see visitors come and enjoy my work.”

‘Bob’s Long Cold Rest’ was held at the Unitarian Church on Honey Hole Road and was put together in the hope that people will view death and loss in another way.

“People keep asking me if I am going to actually use the coffin.” he said.

“But I am going to give it to charity.”

The festival started on Sunday May 8 and runs until Sunday May 15 with events throughout the day including a family film day on Saturday showcasing Death of a Superhero at 11am and Mr Holmes at 2pm in Todmorden Libary.

To top off Saturday night there is a Firey Folky Funeral Feast with death and dying songs and a funeral feast.

On Sunday, lying the festival to rest is Coping with the Death of a Pet and The Final Fling.