Cornishman Rex Curtis holds own wake for charity
A Cornishman decided he did not want to miss out on his wake, so held it before he dies.
About 300 guests attended to celebrate the life of plant hire businessman Rex Curtis, 69.
Between them they raised more than £1,500 for the charity Children's Hospice South West on Sunday.
Mr Curtis, from Roche, said: "I have been one foot in the grave for years really, so I didn't want to wait until I'm gone to have the party."
A brass instrumentalist played The Last Post, a comedian gave a routine and Mr Curtis's wife Marilyn sang I Don't Know How To Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar at the wake, held at Royal Cornwall Showground near Wadebridge.
Mr Curtis, who has diabetes and underwent heart bypass surgery several years ago, said: "It was a beautiful do.
"People kept telling me it was crazy but it turned out brilliantly and raised lots of money for children."
Mr Curtis has already made plans for his ashes to be spread at a future Royal Cornwall Show.
Children's Hospice South West has three hospices for children with terminal illnesses.