TV's Merlin turns Canute at Clovelly charity stunt trial run
CHAINED in his throne as the waves covered him, Northam stuntman and entertainer Merlin Cadogan was the centre of attention as he carried out a trial run for his forthcoming King Canute charity stunt on Clovelly beach. Merlin, 35, first made the headlines
CHAINED in his throne as the waves covered him, Northam stuntman and entertainer Merlin Cadogan was the centre of attention as he carried out a trial run for his forthcoming King Canute charity stunt on Clovelly beach.
Merlin, 35, first made the headlines when he carried North Devon's hopes in the Britain's Got Talent television show.
Now he is preparing to spend three days on Clovelly beach next month, allowing the high tides to wash over him in the name of charity and the Children's Hospice South West.
With the protection of a wetsuit and scuba equipment, he will be covered by water for up to two hours on each tide.
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On his test run last week Merlin was chained into his throne for two chilly hours, with half-an-hour under water.
"It went really well," he said. "It will be hard and a challenge, but I am confident that I will be able to do the 72 hours. I am being sponsored by Tiki with wetsuits, so will be able to take two and change after each high tide.
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Tasty catch
"I will also have people bringing me food, so will be able to eat - and am taking my fishing rod in the hope of a tasty catch that can be barbecued on the beach for me. And I will have a portable loo to use while on the throne.
"On the last high tide I will release myself from the chains under water and swim to the surface. At least, I hope I will, or else I will run out of oxygen!"
Merlin is preparing meticulously for his stunt, which is set to take place from 3pm on July 7 to 3pm on July 10.
A professional diver and local lifeguards will be on hand to oversee safety.
But the big problems are likely to be the cold, exhaustion, dehydration and sleep deprivation.
He hopes his unique feat will attract the crowds and gain valuable sponsorship for the Children's Hospice South West in Fremington.
Ian Roome, community fundraiser with the Children's Hospice, said: "We are really pleased that Merlin is doing this death defying stunt for us.
"We have certainly never had anything like this done for us before. We urge anyone who supports the charity to go along and sponsor him."
A Just Giving page has been set up on the Internet so anyone can sponsor Merlin's forthcoming charity effort at: justgiving.com/merlinsgottalent
