LETTERS TO HEAVEN

White memorial postboxes, the brainchild of a little nine-year-old girl who missed her nan, have been springing up all over the country, allowing people to write to relatives and friends no longer with them. As the latest is installed, JANE WARREN investigates the poignant phenomenon helping thousands of Britons overcome their grief

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HENEVER Daisy, five, and Bella, three, left their great-grandmother's house, they would always run their fingers along her garden ornaments of ladybirds on their way down the path. “They also called her ‘Nan’ and they had a fantastic relationship — as strong as their bond with their own grandma,” says their mother, Lynsey Rogers, 34.

When the independent 85-year-old died suddenly at the end of January, it came as a huge shock. Lynsey was devastated but was also determined to help her two little girls to process their own loss in the most constructive way.

“Nan had a very short illness - too short to prepare the girls for. We only had a day or two before we lost her,” says Lynsey.

“Family was the be all-and-end-all for her. The rest of the time she enjoyed gardening and anything she wanted to do. She was very youthful.”

Determined to find the best way for her daughters to grieve, the primary school teacher from Harrogate in North Yorkshire started to do some research.

“I was very upset, and I knew the children would be led by me, so I spoke to Daisy’s teacher and also googled what to say.”

She discovered being frank with children about loss was advisable.

“The website said to explain what death is and that it is not ‘going to sleep’. It suggested drawing pictures and writing letters if upset. So, the girls and I sat down together and did just that.”

Daisy decided to express her grief in a colourful drawing depicting the ladybird ornament that she associated with her loving “Nan” who she had seen at least twice a week since she was born. But the bright little girl had a pressing concern.

“She said to me, ‘How can we get them to her?’” continues Lynsey.