Letters to heaven post box granted at East Stanley Cemetery

It might be four years since Katy Wilson, from Stanley, lost her son Hugo, who was kept in the RVI section of the hospital throughout his two weeks of life, but the mourning process is just the same.

After visiting a cemetery in Northumberland earlier this year to see the graves of a few family members, Katy noticed a post box that was placed there, which had the message 'letters to heaven' printed on it. 

On further inspection, the cream post box was used for people to post their letters to loved ones who are no longer with them - something that Katy says is a 'vital' part of the grieving process.

Katy Wilson, from Stanley (Image: KATY WILSON)

She said: "The grieving process is different for everyone - but everyone needs a place to grieve in their own way."

Following on from that trip to Northumberland, Katy has now set out plans in motion to bring the 'letters to heaven' idea to County Durham's East Stanley Cemetery; a place that holds a special bond with the Stanley resident. 

The cemetery is where Katy's two-week-old son, Hugo, is buried, alongside her grandma, grandad, and big brother. 

Four years ago, Hugo was delivered at 24 weeks and was cared for in the RVI for two weeks before he died. 

The post box in Northumberland - and how the one in Stanley will look (Image: KATY WILSON)

Each day, Katy visits Hugo's grave and has now set up plans for the 'letters to heaven' post box after consulting people in Stanley about the project, alongside Durham County Council. 

After speaking with the council about the prospect of bringing the post box to East Stanley, permission was granted for the project on Wednesday (March 6) - with the project funded and installed by Katy. 

Katy added: "I wanted to get a response from people about whether they think this idea is a good one. I have been blown away by the response. After putting the idea online, it has had overwhelming support and I've seen real backing from the community.

"This project is so important. Since putting the idea out there, I've spoken to people who have lost children, mums, dads, brothers, sisters, and other loved ones. 

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"The thing that has surprised me most is speaking to people who lost children over 30 years ago, where it wasn't spoken about - people just had to carry on when losing a child. 

"This project is for everyone and one that means so much to me."

After the post box is in place, near the entrance to the cemetery, which Katy believes will be done in the next couple of weeks, people will be able to send 'letters to heaven' and the post box won't be opened; with Katy the only person who will have a key to it.

"I never thought for a second it would get the support it has. People have stopped me on the school run to talk about the post box."