Thanks to a local family and fundraisers, Carlisle Crematorium has installed a Letters to Heaven post box - a thoughtful addition made possible through the generosity of a local family.
Following the loss of her husband, Kevin in January 2025, Suzanne McCullock discovered a similar post box in Fitz Park, Keswick. She found comfort in the idea of leaving written messages for loved ones who have passed and recognised how meaningful this could also be for her children, Maisy and Freddy. Inspired by this experience, Suzanne and her family began exploring the possibility of creating a dedicated space for others in Carlisle to do the same.
After discussions with relatives and friends, Suzanne’s mother, Sue, approached Carlisle Crematorium to ask whether a Letters to Heaven post box could be placed within the crematorium grounds. The Bereavement Services team welcomed the idea. With community fundraising and the family’s support, the post box has now been installed and is available for public use.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“The Letters to Heaven post box is a thoughtful addition to the crematorium grounds. It offers people a simple way to leave a message for loved ones during difficult times, and I’m grateful to the McCullock family and the Bereavement Services team for making it possible.
“We are incredibly proud to have supported this project from start to finish and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”
Suzanne and her family have extended thanks to everyone involved. They shared that knowing the post box is there brings them comfort, and they hope it will offer the same sense of peace to other families navigating loss.
A Letters to Heaven post box was installed last year at Distington Hall’s Chapel of Remembrance by the Milton family in memory of Ivy Mae Milton, which has already provided a valued space for reflection and remembrance.