LETTERS to heaven for Christmas will be on offer to Chester residents courtesy of a funeral directors firm in the city.

Hartys of Chester Family Funeral Directors, based in Handbridge, is offering the service by installing a postbox outside their premises in Queen’s Park View.

The business is owned and operated by Catherine Anderson and Shannon Harty and their plan is for people to write confidential letters to loved ones lost as a way of addressing their grief which will be posted on their behalf.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “Catherine and Shannon have many years of experience in conducting funerals and helping families to arrange the most befitting send off for their loved one.

Shannon Harty and Catherine Anderson.Shannon Harty and Catherine Anderson. (Image: Harty's of Chester.)

“Having been in the funeral service for many years, they have both come to understand that Christmas for many is simply not ‘the most wonderful time of the year’.

“It is for this reason that the Harty ladies have decided to install a ‘Letters to heaven’ postbox outside of their funeral home in Queen’s Park View in Handbridge.

“The idea behind ‘Letters to heaven’ is that anyone can write a letter to a loved one they have lost and post the letter.

“The letters remain completely confidential and it hopefully brings some peace to someone who needs it at this time of year.”

Shannon said: “We really hope that this brings comfort to those missing someone dear this Christmas, I will be posting a letter for my own Grandmother who we sadly lost this year.”

Catherine added: “We think it is very important, especially at this difficult time of year, to offer a physical outlet for grief and sadness.”

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The funeral directors have put together some complimentary letter writing packs, which are available to collect from their funeral home.

The Hartys hope that little ones can benefit from these.

The spokesperson added: “Hartys of Chester Family Funeral Directors would like to invite anyone who wishes to write a letter to a loved one to do so and post it in the postbox at 14 Queens Park View, Handridge, Chester, CH4 7BU.

“If you are unable to travel to Hartys of Chester then please telephone 01244 421 214 and the ladies will ensure that the letter is posted on your behalf.

“We think this is a wonderful idea and it really shows this family's commitment to bringing comfort and support to the communities when we need it most.”