Rotherham Hospice has welcomed the installation of their new ‘Letters to Heaven’ post box, a heartfelt addition that has found its place in their beautiful Reflection Garden at the front of the Hospice.
The inspiration behind this post box came from a touching news story about six similar boxes being installed around Sheffield. This idea resonated deeply with the charity, particularly within their Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement Support Group. Sunbeams offers a safe haven for children dealing with loss, and writing letters to their loved ones in heaven has been a cherished activity within the group.
Until now, these letters were lovingly placed in a handmade box in Rotherham Hospice’s lodge. Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of Thrybergh Fullerton School, they now have a dedicated, beautifully crafted post box where these precious messages can be sent.
The students and staff at Thrybergh Fullerton School have shown extraordinary generosity and spirit in their fundraising efforts. Their commitment to supporting Sunbeams is a testament to the strength and compassion of our community.
Lisa, the Hospice’s Sunbeams Coordinator, has seen firsthand how the act of writing letters brings comfort and a sense of connection to the children in our care. She said: “Our Sunbeams children have written letters to heaven for some time but posted in a handmade box in our lodge. To have something like this with a beautiful Reflection Garden beside it will be fantastic for the children and adults here at the Hospice.”
“The act of writing down thoughts and feelings can bring comfort. Our Sunbeams children have used it as a way to share how they are feeling and to communicate news with their loved ones, telling them about a goal scored, how they are doing at school or what they did on their birthdays. It’s a way for them to still feel connected.”
Every letter or card placed in the ‘Letters to Heaven’ post box is treated with the utmost respect and is never read. This new post box is more than just a receptacle; it is a sacred space where children and adults alike can express their deepest thoughts and keep their memories alive. It stands as a symbol of hope and connection, providing solace and peace to all who visit.