The ashes of loved one’s can now conquer the final frontier following the launch of a new service by Gedling Crematorium.
The site can now offer a last journey that is truly out of this world – by scattering their ashes into space!
The crematorium, which is part of Westerleigh Group, has entered into a new partnership with Aura Flights, and can now offer two new options for the cremated remains of their loved ones.
The ‘Memorial Launch’ service involves ashes being placed inside a ‘scatter vessel’ which is fitted to a space-capable biodegradable balloon filled with renewable hydrogen gas.
The ashes are released in a gentle cascade around 100,000 feet above the earth and spend the next three-to-six months orbiting the globe until they re-enter the atmosphere, where they seed the formation of clouds and fall back to earth as raindrops and snowflakes all over the world.
The ascent and release are captured on video to create a treasured memorial for families of the event.
The Voyager package involves a ceremonial portion of a loved one’s ashes to travel into space, to the same height as the scattering launch, before being returned to their families on Earth in a premium miniature urn.
Gedling Crematorium manager Giulia McDonough said: “We are always looking to expand the range of memorial options available to the bereaved in order to give them the widest possible choice and help them to create uniquely personal memorials for their loved ones.
“Aura Flights offer something that is truly out of this world.
“For centuries, man has looked up at the stars and dreamed of going into space; while few of us ever get to do this during our lifetimes, there is now the option to travel into space for your final journey.
“Within days of the ashes being scattered, families will receive a personalised memorial video showing their loved one’s final journey among the stars.”
Samantha Richardson, General Manager of Aura Flights, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Westerleigh Group.
“From the moment we started talking about a collaboration, they saw how special a space scattering can be and their focus is always on supporting the bereaved throughout their journey, which I really admire.
To celebrate the launch of the partnership between Westerleigh Group and Aura Flights, there is an introductory offer of a 10% discount for purchases made between July 3 and 31, regardless of where the actual funeral service took place.
Anyone who wants to find out more about the Aura Flight services, and the special offer should visit: www.gedlingcrematorium.co.uk/ashes-in-space
What a pointless scheme, but I bet there are plenty of folks who’ll take it up seeing as funerals have become as gimmicky as weddings now.