Published by Scholastic Books, This Letter Says I Love You is now available for reading at the crematorium and shows how people can maintain a connection with lost loved ones through letter writing.
The book was inspired by Matilda Handy, aged 10, who wanted to communicate with her grandmother after she died.
This desire led to the UK’s first memorial post box being set up at Gedling Crematorium in Nottinghamshire, where Matilda’s mother, Leanne, works.
Both Gedling and Test Valley Crematoriums belong to Westerleigh Group.
The company manages 41 crematoria and cemeteries across the UK.
Matilda Handy’s letter to her grandmother has inspired a new children’s book. (Image: Westerleigh Group) The memorial post box at Gedling proved so comforting and therapeutic for local residents that Westerleigh Group decided to add one to each site’s Garden of Remembrance.
Since then, the idea has been adopted by other companies, not just in the UK but all over the world.
Now, the concept has been immortalised in print with text by Lucy Rowland and illustrations by Sharon Rentta.
The book even includes a copy of Matilda’s original letter to her grandmother, the first to be posted at Gedling Crematorium in December 2022.
Robert Metcalf, manager at Test Valley 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.”
Visitors to the crematorium are welcome to read This Letter Says I Love You during their visit, or purchase a copy from major book retailers.