Failsworth funeral director will deliver your 'letter to heaven'

The plaque above the Farrell-McCartan Funeral Service 'Postbox to Heaven'

A funeral director's office in Failsworth is inviting local people of all ages to send their messages to 'heaven' using a special new postbox at its Partington Street base.

Luke Farrell-McCartan, from the Farrell-McCartan Funeral Service, was inspired to install the 'Postbox to Heaven' after a grieving nine-year-old girl in Nottinghamshire initially suggested the idea. 

The postbox is aimed at encouraging people to write to loved ones who have died after Matilda Handy wanted to send letters to her grandparents who have both passed away. 

Matilda said that penning letters to her grandparents helped her grieve, and enabled her to express emotions in a new way.

Luke said: "We loved Matilda's idea so much, we had to get one ourselves.

"We installed the postbox on February 17 and since then it's been hugely popular with the local community.

"We've been collecting roughly three or four letters daily, clearly from people who believe, like I do, that writing a letter to your loved ones can help with the healing process."

A message above the postbox outside Farrell-McCartan reads: "Thank you for taking a moment to stop by our special postbox.

"Whether you wish to write to your loved one on the day of an important anniversary, or have a specific reason for doing so, this is a dedicated place for posting your letter."

Luke has highlighted that the box is serviced by them and not Royal Mail, meaning stamps are not required.

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