Westerleigh Group offers option of scattering ashes in space

Westerleigh Group has partnered with Aura Flights to offer the option of scattering ashes in space.

According to the group, ashes are placed in 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.

The ascent and release are captured on video to create a “treasured memorial” for families of the event.

There is also another option for families who wish to keep their loved ones ashes.

The Voyager package involves a ceremonial portion of ashes to travel into space, to the same height as the scattering launch, but then returned to their families on Earth in a premium miniature urn.

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.

Matthew Brook, head of partnership and proposition at Westerleigh Group, said: “We pride ourselves on supporting families in creating uniquely personal, bespoke memorials for their loved ones.

“We are always looking to expand the range of memorial options available to the bereaved in order to give them the widest possible choice. Aura Flights offer something that is truly out of this world. And like Westerleigh Group, they take their responsibility for being as kind as possible to the environment as seriously as we do.”

He added:“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.”