Highlighting Homeless Deaths

The coffin of a homeless man who is thought to have died of hypothermia has been carried through Totnes to highlight the plight of rough sleepers.

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Full report: A homeless man's funeral

A man who died on the streets of Totnes from the cold was buried today. Michael Gething had few friends in life, but many people turned out to see his coffin carried through the town today.

It's hoped the ceremony will highlight the difficult lives homeless people have in some of our towns and cities, especially when the weather is so cold. Watch Richard Lawrence's report.

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Highlighting the plight of the homeless in Totnes

The crowd paused outside the methodist church where Michael Gething died in an alleyway. A poem was recited by a social worker who knew him. Credit: ITV Westcountry

The coffin of a homeless man who is thought to have died of hypothermia has been carried through Totnes to highlight the plight of rough sleepers.

42-year-old Michael Gething, who was originally from Plymouth, had been sleeping rough in the town.

A large crowd gathered for a moving ceremony. Graham Walker who is homeless read out a personal tribute. Credit: ITV Westcountry

Homeless man's coffin to be carried through Totnes

Michael Gething's coffin ahead of his funeral today. Credit: ITV Westcountry

The coffin of a homeless man who is thought to have died of hypothermia is being carried through Totnes today to highlight the plight of rough sleepers.

42-year-old Michael Gething, who was originally from Plymouth, had been sleeping rough in the town.

Four homeless people are believed to have perished outdoors in the last year.

The cortege will start at the bottom of the High Street, and the coffin will be carried around a mile to Follaton Cemetery. There will be no formal service.

The funeral party will stop en route to allow Big Issue seller Graham Walker to give a eulogy.

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