A special white post box which aims to bring ‘comfort’ to those who have lost loved ones has been launched in Porthleven.

The ‘Letters to Heaven’ post box was unveiled on Saturday (February 24) by Porthleven Environment Group (PEG) in association with FE Strike and Sons Funeral Directors.  

 

PEG thanked those who came along to the unveiling, despite a forecast of bad weather. A spokesperson said: “Thank you to all those that braved the weather today for the unveiling of the Letters to Heaven post box.

“I am sorry I didn’t get to talk to everyone, but all of us appreciated your support.”

The post box aims to give people the chance to write a letter to a lost loved one, sharing their thoughts and feelings and giving an outlet for their emotions.

Falmouth Packet: Kerry Thomas (R) of FE Strike and Kaz Toms from PEG with the unveiled letter box Kerry Thomas (R) of FE Strike and Kaz Toms from PEG with the unveiled letter box (Image: Kathy White)

The idea came from Matilda Handy, a young girl who suggested the idea to her mum after the loss of her grandparents. Matilda was grieving and wanted to express her feelings by ‘writing to them’, with her mum explaining at the time that she hoped her daughter’s creation would help ease the suffering caused by grief and provide some comfort to anyone bereaved.

Matilda’s idea has taken off nationally, with post boxes launched in cemeteries, crematoriums, and churches across the country with three now in Cornwall.

Letters posted will remain completely confidential and not be opened or read but incinerated upon collection.

The idea is that the smoke then travels up to heaven, sharing the contents of the letter with the loved one it was written for, while the ashes are scattered onto the earth.

Falmouth Packet: Iain Strike and Debbie Charles from PEG who unveiled the postbox on Saturday Iain Strike and Debbie Charles from PEG who unveiled the postbox on Saturday (Image: Kathy White)

Now the box has been unveiled, it will be managed and maintained by PEG and FE Strike and Sons Funeral Directors. A spokesperson from FE Strike said: "We were so grateful for the turnout for the unveiling and very glad the weather was on our side.  

"The first letters posted at the unveiling were by Iain’s grandchildren and written to Dawn and Alec.  

"F.E Strike and Sons would like to thank Porthleven Environment Group for inviting us on this project and for all the work they do in the cemetery in Porthleven."