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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Niall Deeney

Derry woman who lost loved one delighted as council backs 'letters to heaven' postboxes

Postboxes for loved ones to send 'letters to heaven' are to be installed at cemeteries across Derry and Strabane, it has been agreed.

Councillors agreed to the idea put forward by independent councillor Graham Warke.

Mr Warke was contacted by a woman who lost a family member in February, leaving behind a nine-year-old son.

Read more: Council to install 'Letters to Heaven' postboxes

Speaking to Belfast Live, Jill Robinson said her cousin Lee Parkhill died suddenly at the age of 34.

She said Lee's son, Harpur, would "love" to be able to send a letter to heaven

The idea originated with nine-year-old Matinda Handy, from Nottingham, who wanted to send letters to her grandparents.

Her idea was picked up by Gedling Crematorium in Nottinghamshire and has since spread elsewhere - including, now, to Derry.

"It's a really nice idea, especially for wee ones," Jill told Belfast Live

"We had a loss in our family and he [Lee] had a wee boy who was nine as well.

"We seen it in England and thought Harpur would love something like that.

"I only contacted Graham [Warke] because Lee was buried up in Mountcastle, just outside of Newbuildings, and we thought something like that would be so nice."

She said she is "delighted" Mr Warke's proposal was agreed unanimously by the council at Thursday's meeting.

Mr Warke said: "At today’s meeting the motion was passed by all members and there will be letters to heaven postboxes throughout all cemeteries in the district.

"I know personally how everyone struggles, especially young people come to terms with grief. Hopefully this is a way that may make it easier for younger generation to send letters to their loved ones no longer with us."

He added: "Thank you Jill for coming to me with a great idea and I appreciate the Mayor for letting me bring the motion forward."

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