The tragic death of a mother-of-three has inspired a campaign to introduce “Letter to Heaven” post-boxes at cemeteries across Sheffield.
After losing her life in a battle with cancer last December, Katie Hawxwell, 39 from Woodseats, left behind her partner and three children, Mia, 17, Marnie, 12, and Jax who was just four-years-old.
Having lost her own mother in 2018, best friend Chloe Hill, 40, was inspired to have “Letter to Heaven” post-boxes installed to help Katie’s children and anyone else who has struggled with losing a loved one.
She said: “Katie and I had such a special friendship, she always believed in me and I feel she has given me the confidence to believe in myself.
“The only reason I have been able to move forward with any of this is because of the love and support Kate showed me, she was so fierce and a force to be reckoned with, without Katie I would never have been able to accomplish any of this.”
Miss Hill came up with the idea after seeing the story of a nine-year-old girl in Nottingham who convinced the local council to allow her to implement the post-box, which has already received over 200 letters in less than a month.
A “Letter to Heaven” post-box allows people to write to their loved ones and she is hoping to get enough funding to have post-boxes implemented in all 16 Sheffield cemeteries.
Her aim is to make sure that any grieving family has somewhere to go and send letters to those who have tragically passed away.
Miss Hill said: “At first I just wanted to install one, but now I feel like I’m on a mission to try and get a post-box in as many of the 16 cemeteries as possible.
Katie’s family have been taken aback by the idea with one relative, Lisa Mac, saying: “Whilst it is still raw for all of us, Chloe managing to channel her grief and do something practical for all of us is remarkable.
“I know she would be incredibly proud of Chloe for doing this.”
Having so far raised over £1,000, Miss Hill has bought five post boxes so far and after being granted permission from the local council, is determined to begin placing them around Sheffield before Mother’s Day next month.
To donate to the cause, click here: