Release-a-balloon is a subsidiary of Fun Party Superstore a family run company dealing with all kinds of events and occasions.

As society changes, it has become more and more apparent that families and friends wish to celebrate a loved one's life rather than totally focus on their departing which is, of course, highly upsetting and can be very traumatic, especially for younger members of a family.

We have been frequently asked for suggestions regarding the sad event of someone's demise and we have, in fact, been asked for balloons for funerals and cremations.

We took it upon ourselves, at a close friend's funeral, to supply each member of the wake with a plain ivory balloon. To be honest, not everyone was struck on the idea of going into the garden on a cold winter's day to release a balloon, but we all did. The mood of the event changed immediately since the young children in the group began to point at the balloons soaring up into the sky saying "Bye bye Grandad ".It was deeply moving, yet at the same time exhilarating! One member of the family, from overseas, said that she hadn't really had the chance to say goodbye to her brother, but she now felt a sense of "Closure".

The wake continued in a more upbeat fashion, than it had been before, as the adults exchanged their fond memories and amusing stories. To this day, our friends have commented on this memorable occasion and word has spread. We are now having more and more requests to provide personalised balloons and so we have decided to make our unique service available to all. We feel that our service is suitable whether it be for a religious event, or a humanist function and that it adds to the occasion without bringing frivolity.