A husband explains why he kept his wife's dead body in the bedroom for a week

"We have very strong spiritual beliefs that we developed together over the years that have helped and guided us a lot. Wendy’s body is laid to rest in our bedroom. The picture above is the alter we have made to help honour her, it is at the head of her cocoon (we don’t like the word coffin) in our bedroom. We are sitting vigil with her body until she is cremated on Thursday. She will not be alone at all during that time. If anyone would like to visit or sit with her you are very welcome."

"For a long time I have been determined to have Wendy at home when she died. I did not want her in the mortuary or handed over to a funeral director, I wanted us to take care of her ourselves at our family home, have her in our bedroom so I could sleep in the same room. I was sure this would be a comfort to us all but again am truly amazed about what is happening; having Wendy’s body here and being able to sit with her all day, have her friends and family come to sit with her, chat with her, chat about her and light candles and incense on her alter is proving to be such a beautiful and comforting experience for me, the boys and all that are taking part.

"My nephews came last night and they were both a little nervous never having seen a dead body before but after while of being with us all in the room with Wendy they said how peaceful, comforting and reassuring the experience was. Something very beautiful is happening right now in our house and I can’t help feeling Wendy is making that happen."