A children’s book inspired by a crematorium is helping young readers explore the power of remembrance.
The picture book, inspired by the story behind the “Letters to Loved Ones” white memorial post box at Bishopbriggs Crematorium, tells how writing letters can help people stay connected to those they have lost.
Published by Scholastic, This Letter Says I Love You is now available for visitors to read at the crematorium.
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The memorial post box idea began with 10-year-old Matilda Handy, who wished she could write to her late grandmother.
This led to the UK’s first memorial post box being installed at Gedling Crematorium in Nottinghamshire, where Matilda’s mother, Leanne, works.
The post box was so well received that Westerleigh Group, which operates 41 crematoria and cemeteries across the UK including Gedling and Bishopbriggs crematoria, decided to introduce one at each of its sites.
Since then, the idea has been adopted by other companies across the globe.
Now it has been immortalised in print, as Letters to Loved Ones details the concept with lyrical text written by Lucy Rowland and illustrated by Sharon Rentta.
The book also includes a copy of Matilda’s original letter to her grandmother, the first item to be posted in the Gedling post box.
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Lisa Somerville, crematorium assistant at Bishopbriggs Crematorium, said: “We have all been very touched by the positive feedback we’ve had from the bereaved who have benefited from using our memorial post box.
“Whether for special days such as Christmas, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, a birthday, an anniversary or just because someone has something they feel they wish to share with their loved one, the memorial post box is available all year round for people to use whenever they wish.
“We’re all proud to see the memorial post box appear in print, and we believe this new book is perfect for supporting and comforting children who are grieving a loss of a loved one.
“We have a copy of This Letter Says I Love You at our crematorium which our visitors are very welcome to read whenever they are here.
“Otherwise, the book can be purchased from all major book retail stores.”
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