'Letters to Heaven' post box installed at Isle of Wight Crematorium

A special post box has been installed within the grounds of the Isle of Wight Crematorium to allow people to write heartfelt letters to loved ones who have passed away.

The white Letters to Heaven post box will enable grieving Islanders to write letters, cards and messages to missed family and friends.

When the post box is emptied letters will be turned into compost to be used in the memorial gardens. This special soil will also enhance the ecosystem of the grounds for all to enjoy.

Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for bereavement services who asked for the post box to be installed, said she hoped it would bring comfort to families as Christmas approaches.

"The death of a loved one can leave many people feeling adrift and very lost," she said.

"Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for people who are grieving. The holidays are full of memories, traditions, and sensations associated with the person who has died, which can make the sense of loss feel greater.

"One way which may bring comfort through grief is the act of writing down feelings or sharing thoughts on paper. We all handle grief in our own way and for some the act of writing and posting a letter to a departed loved one will bring comfort. Writing letters is a beautiful and creative way to express our pain and keep a sense of them still being with us.

"I'll certainly be writing one to my dear mum this Christmas."

Every letter that is put into the memorial post box is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality.

The post box is not owned or serviced by Royal Mail, so no address or stamp is needed on any messages posted to loved ones.

Lights of Love service

A special 'Lights of Love' service is to be held at the Isle of Wight Crematorium chapel for families and friends to remember loved ones they have lost.

The service, organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s bereavement team, will be held at 6.30pm on Friday, 6 December, and will include the lighting of candles to commemorate loved ones, at what can be a difficult time of year.