Friends and relatives of Newark man who died can share memories together at virtual wake organised by businessman Steff Wright

Friends and relatives of a Newark man who has died will be able to share their memories together at a virtual wake taking place tomorrow (Sunday).

The event to remember David Moon is being arranged by his friend, businessman Steff Wright, of Collingham.

There will first be a simple cremation, followed by a private burial of Mr Moon’s ashes in woodland.

The wake is the first to be organised via a new virtual platform called Collab, due to launch next week by Mr Wright.

Collab brings together existing platforms to allow people to hold events that feel realistic.

“This gives you the feeling of being in a physical space,” Mr Wright said. “It completely transforms the experience.”

Guests will be able to move about from table to table in a virtual room.

The platform has already been tested out at Newark Business Club.

“What we have proven is that it creates an amazing event experience for people,” said Steff.

“But this will be the first time we have done a wake. In memory of David Moon.

“The beauty of it is, if you imagine people that knew him sitting at tables and being able to move around the tables and chat to different people.

“We are able to put up photographs and videos of the people who have died.

“All those who knew him are welcome. It is virtual but it is actually real because it is people talking to people. That is what you do at a wake and that is almost as important as the actual funeral itself.

“We will be encouraging people to send in their photographs and raise a glass or two to Dave.”

Anyone is welcome to attend the wake on Sunday, but events can be made public or private.

Mr Wright, who runs Gusto Homes and the Global Grad travel education business, said they had been working on developing digital events through lockdown, working with existing software to create Collab.

Details of Sunday’s wake are at https://events.collab.org.uk/e/david-moons-virtual-wake