PNE’s ‘Resurrection of the Coffin’ raises hospice funds

One of football’s most unusual rituals brought the community out onto the streets in Bamber Bridge and helped raise a fantastic £550 for St Catherine’s Hospice.

The ‘Resurrection of the Coffin’ took place in July following Preston North End’s promotion to the Championship.

According to a tradition going back to 1948, each time the Lilywhites or Blackburn Rovers are relegated or promoted, the coffin is either buried or resurrected.

This summer’s event celebrated a happy promotion and featured a parade which had crowds thronging the streets.

Collections were made at the event and in total collected £550 each for St Catherine’s, Derian House and Tender Nursing Care, as well as a £100 donation to the Mayor of Preston’s Charity Fund.

Coun Mick Higgins, Chairman of the Bamber Bridge Burial Committee, visited the hospice to hand over the proceeds on behalf of the organisation.

He said: “It was a fantastic day and great to be celebrating a promotion rather than a relegation!

“We’re delighted that this unusual community tradition has helped raise vital funds for three very important local charities.”

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