Christmas is a time of celebration but for many it is also a time for reflection and for those who have lost a loved one it can be a particularly difficult time, writes Cllr Sue Reece. The traditions and memories can make the sense of loss feel greater.
Although we all handle grief in our own way, for some the act of writing down feelings and sharing thoughts in a letter or card can bring great comfort.
Last year, Cllr Pearl Malpas fundraised with Tegan Chapman and, thanks to the generous donation from Emma Cranie, installed the Letters to Heaven post-box in Chilton Cemetery. Since then, the white post-box has been used extensively by the community.
Pearl said: “Having lost family and friends, I know how important it is to be able to continue to feel connected to them, particularly during the Christmas period.”
Every letter is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality.
Chilton Cemetery is open day and night throughout the holidays and the post-box is accessible for all faiths and none.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
