The project, inspired by a national initiative, offers a meaningful outlet for people to express their grief and remembrance through written letters to loved ones who have passed away.
Using the power of Facebook, Sherryl launched an online fundraising campaign to bring the touching idea to life.
Each letter posted is treated with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity. None are ever opened or read, and over time, the letters are to be respectfully transformed into compost, to then be used in the crematorium’s gardens at Park Wood, ensuring that the messages never leave the site and instead become part of the peaceful landscape.
Sherryl was inspired after reading about nine-year-old Matilda Handy, who originally came up with the idea when she wanted to send birthday and Christmas cards to her late grandparents. The first-ever ‘Letters to Heaven’ post box was unveiled in December 2022 at Gedling Crematorium near Nottingham. Within the first month, over 100 letters had been posted, and since then, more than 40 memorial post boxes have been installed in crematoriums across the UK.
The Elland community quickly rallied behind Sherryl’s initiative, contributing through raffles, donations, and offers of support. Thanks to their generosity, she successfully raised £583, enough to cover the cost of the post box along with special finishing touches, including an engraved plaque and decorative pebbles to complete the memorial area.
Sherryl wanted to give special thanks to Jordan Roebuck at JR Flooring Services and Beth’s Bakes and Cakes for their outstanding contributions toward the fundraiser.
The post box was officially opened to the Community on the 20th of October.
Reflecting on this, Sherryl said:
“After experiencing some difficult losses in our family, this idea felt like the perfect way to honour those we’ve lost. Everyone grieves in their own way, but I hope this post box brings comfort to others in our community. I’m so grateful to my friends and family for embracing the idea and supporting the fundraising.”
This is far from Sherryl’s first act of community kindness. Since 2010, she has been a passionate advocate for local causes, raising funds for the children’s ward at Calderdale Royal Hospital and supporting mental health charities across the district.
Following her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2018, Sherryl has found that fundraising provides her with a positive focus and an outlet for her energy and creativity. She continues to use her experiences to raise awareness and encourage others to speak openly about mental health.
“Daniel and our five kids — Maegan, Dayna, Devon, Shelbie and Sonny — are my biggest cheerleaders. Their love and support make everything I do possible,” said Sherryl.
In 2024, Sherryl and her colleagues organised the first-ever Christmas Marketplace at Calderdale Royal Hospital, held inside the Ingleton Falls Restaurant. The event was a huge success, raising £412 for Invictus Wellbeing, a Calderdale-based charity supporting children and young people’s mental health.
Building on that success, Sherryl and her team are already preparing for this year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better.
The Calderdale Royal ISS Healthcare Christmas Market will take place on Monday, 1st December, from 9 am to 2 pm, at the Ingleton Falls Restaurant, Calderdale Royal Hospital, HX3 0PW. Visitors can look forward to festive stalls, handmade gifts and seasonal treats, all in aid of a wonderful local cause.
Sherryl’s continued dedication to Elland and the wider Calderdale area is a true testament to her compassion and community spirit. Whether she’s raising funds for local hospitals, supporting mental health initiatives, or helping others find comfort in times of grief, Sherryl’s actions bring people together and make a lasting difference.
