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Earlier this month, funeral director and manager of Harold P. Heywood in Failsworth, Michael Lindup, launched a campaign that would see a special post box installed at Hollinwood Cemetery.
The post box, painted white with ‘letters to heaven’ inscribed on it in gold, would allow those grieving to send letters and cards to their lost loved ones.
He said the idea was inspired by a nine-year-old girl in Nottingham, Matilda Handy, who successfully established a post box at her local cemetery so she could send letters to her late grandparents.
Mr Lindup said: “The good thing about it is that it’s open to everyone, whatever they believe in.
“The idea is that it gives people a bit of comfort.”
He has not only offered to pay for a disused Royal Mail post box but also maintain it since he is in the cemetery near enough every day.
He reassured residents that the letters would be in trusted hands as the contents would never be read or revealed to anyone.
The letters could either be burned in the crematorium or buried in a dedicated plot.
The funeral director, whose family also runs funeral companies across the borough, said he wants to see a plaque by the post box in memory of everyone lost in Oldham and in recognition of Matilda for her “fantastic idea”.
Oldham Council said it was “looking into the possibility” of installing the post box at the cemetery and will have progress updates “soon”.
Residents across Oldham have praised the “lovely idea” and how beneficial it would be for their families.
Julie Gallaher said: “I think this would be a lovely thing for my grandchildren who are still coming to terms with their granddad suddenly last year.”
Another woman said the post box would bring some comfort to her son, writing: “It might make him feel his daddy is with him.”
Becky Taylor, who works with elderly people, added: “This is such a wonderful idea, whether it be for a child or adult to use.”
She said some of the elderly people she supports can have mental health issues which is exacerbated by “grief and loneliness”.
“This is a brilliant way to keep connected to their loved ones and I hope the idea goes around the world.
“Well done, Heywood Funeral Directors”, she added.
Another mother, Hayley Davies, said her two children have lost many people over the past few years and “would love to send a letter to their granddad, godmother, baby brother, baby cousin and many others”.
“Definitely let this happen”, she urged.
Another woman who lost her mum, Lois Carlisle, said: “I’m hoping and praying this goes ahead.
“I know myself and my children will often use it to send letters to my mum/their nan.”
Dave James also expressed his support for the post box, writing: “I’m not religious at all. When you’re dead, you’re dead in my view.
“But if in today’s world, something this simple helps people grieve for a loved one and move on, then I’m all for it.”
Meanwhile, Julie Dees said she hopes the post box could go towards supporting the environment and protecting wildlife as it might “stop people releasing balloons”.
Rachel Daw asked: “This is a wonderful idea. Is there any way that we, the public, can help to push the Council to make this happen?”
Oldham Council has been approached for an update on the campaign.
