White Letters to Heaven post box for Porthleven Cemetery

Situated in Porthleven Cemetery, it will be a ‘Letters to Heaven’ post box.

This will 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.

The 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 the of the letter with the loved one it was written for, while the ashes are scattered onto the earth.

Once the post box is up, it will become one of only a handful in Cornwall.

Behind the project is the Porthleven Environment Group, working alongside FE Strike and Sons funeral directors.

A Letters to Heaven white post box in another part of the country (Image: SWNS)

A PEG spokesperson explained: “After a number of suggestions from residents, PEG, in conjunction with FE Strike and Sons, will be purchasing and erecting a ‘Letters to Heaven’ post box to be situated in Porthleven Cemetery.

“The idea has taken off nationally although there are currently only two in Cornwall.

“People find real comfort in sending something, whether it’s a child drawing a picture or an older person expressing loving thoughts and feelings to their departed loved ones.

“The post box will be emptied as needed and the letters will not be opened or read.

“Instead, the letters are cremated in a small incinerator with the thought that the smoke goes to heaven and the ashes are scattered on the earth.”

The box will be managed and maintained by PEG in association with FE Strike & Sons.

The FE Strike and Sons building at Porthleven Cemetery, where the post box will go (Image: PEG)

PEG have been supported by Lea Thomas, community and partnership officer(west) for Cormac, and the Strike family.

The group said that any contributions to the project would be most appreciated. Donations to the Letters to Heaven project can be made via cheque to Porthleven Environment Group or in cash.

Alternatively call 07972 373435 or message the Porthleven Environment Group Facebook page.

Further updates have been promised as the project progresses.

The idea of ‘Letters from Heaven’ first came from a young girl from Nottingham, Matilda Handy, who suggested it to her mum after the loss of her grandparents.

The grieving schoolgirl 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.