Cemetery in Greater Manchester to get a ‘postbox to heaven’ 

A cemetery in Greater Manchester is to get a ‘postbox to heaven’, an idea inspired by a nine-year-old girl.

The idea was inspired by grieving 9-year-old Matilda Handy, who expressed a desire to post her grandparents letters to heaven after they passed away.

In response, her mum approached their local cemetery in Nottingham, where she also works, convincing bosses to use an old postbox, painted white and gold and install it in the grounds.

A plaque beside the box reads: ‘Thank you for taking a moment to stop by our special post box. Whether you wish to write to your loved one on the day of an important anniversary or have no specific reason for doing so, this is a dedicated place for posting your letter.’

Many people were touched by the young girl’s idea, and over 100 letters were posted shortly after it was put in place. The idea was such a success that the Westerleigh Group, who own Gedling Crematorium, have announced that it will now be rolled out at 36 of their sites dotted across the UK — including one in Greater Manchester.

Soon, Greater Manchester residents with loved ones laid to rest in Howe Bridge Crematorium, in Atherton — which is situated in several acres of beautifully maintained gardens — will get the chance to send them a letter in a post box to heaven.

Matilda said it helped her grieve and speak to her grandparents in a way she thought she couldn’t and hopes it may bring others comfort. “It was very nice because I’m very upset and it’s just a very nice way to express my feelings and send a letter to them and to say how much I love them,” she said in an interview with ITV.