My phone hasn’t rung for months .. everyone must have thought I was dead
ALAN, 75, FINDS HIS OWN GRAVESTONE
A DAD has been forced to confirm he’s alive – after finding his own “grave”.
Pensioner Alan Hattel was shocked to discover the headstone bearing his name at Newmonthill Cemetery in Forfar.
The 75-year-old realised something was not right when he hadn’t received any calls in months.
And he says he now knows the reason why – because people have been under the impression he’d passed away.
Alan claimed his former wife had bought the plot, with their names appearing on the headstone.
He isn’t sure exactly who is responsible for the headstone and a member of his ex-wife Berta’s family would not comment.
Alan, a retired welder from Forfar, said: “People think that I’m dead.
“My phone hasn’t rung for three or four months. I’ve been confused by it all but now I know why nobody has been calling.”
As he stood beside his headstone, Alan added that reports of his death had been greatly exaggerated. “I don’t even want to be buried – I plan to be cremated,” he said.
Alan insisted the erection of his headstone was done without his knowledge and the whole affair was “like something out of Only Fools and Horses”.
Now, he wants to set the record straight and let people know he is very much alive.
He has spoken to Angus Council and plans to put a cover over the headstone.
Alan – who has two grown-up children with his former spouse – added: “I’ve never, ever said I wanted to be buried alongside my ex-wife.
“We’ve been separated 26 years and there’s no animosity but I’m struggling to take it all in.
“To find out you have a gravestone in a cemetery while you are still alive isn’t something that happens every day.”
A relative at Berta’s home said: “This is a family matter being dealt with privately.” Angus Council said it was unable to discuss the issue or disclose any information about who purchased the plot as it was a confidential matter.
I don’t even want to be buried.. I plan to be cremated ALAN HATTEL ON SHOCK DISCOVERY