50+ Examples of What to Write in a UK Sympathy Card
Andy Cakebread
05 January 2023
As Brits, we’re historically known for having a “stiff upper lip” when it comes to expressing our emotions and feelings.
So when someone has just lost a loved one, you want to be there for them in every way possible, but also give them as much space as they need.
To find the right balance, a simple sympathy note or condolence card lets them know you’re thinking of them and your support is there should they need it. But the question is, what do you write in a sympathy card?
At Thankbox, it’s our job to make sending heartfelt messages a little bit easier, especially when it’s coming from a group of people. But first, let’s look at what makes the perfect condolence message.
What is a Condolence Message?
A condolence message is a meaningful message for someone who has experienced the death of a loved one. These messages are found on greetings cards and flower bouquet cards, and are a way of expressing sympathy to the individual.
Why Sending Your Condolences is Important
It Gives Them Strength
Your friend, colleague, or classmate has experienced a tragedy in their lives and are probably experiencing distress, sadness, and heartbreak. By sending a sympathy card, you’re offering your words of encouragement and support to give them strength during a tough time.
It Prevents Them Feeling Alone
Child Bereavement UK found that 22% of the British adults they surveyed felt lonely when grieving the loss of a close family member. Sympathy and condolence cards are designed to tackle loneliness by helping people feel supported at a time where they feel at their most vulnerable.
It Aids Their Healing
One simple condolence message really can make a difference and help people see the light during a dark time. Their healing process might be a long one, but sending supporting and caring messages will help them through it. If you’re a little lost for words, check out our article on how to offer your condolences.
It's FREE to create your sympathy card
Let someone know they are in everyone's thoughts. A Thankbox is the best way for your group to share its condolences. It's free to create (pay only when you send) and takes seconds to invite everyone to share their heartfelt support.
What to Write in a Sympathy Card UK
Meaningful sympathy messages
May he/she rest in peace and may peace be with you all.
Forever will you remain in our hearts.
Sending our condolences, love and prayers to the family.
May the strength that the presence of the Holy Spirit gives, be with you and your family always.
With heartfelt sympathy, may your mum/dad/brother/sister etc. rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy and condolences. May he/she rest in peace. Prayers and love to you all.
Sympathy Messages Suitable for All
Sending love during this difficult time.
My thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
I hope [name]’s memories bring a smile to your face during this tough time.
I was so saddened to hear about your loss.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this difficult time.
May happy memories of [name] bring you comfort at this time.
I wish you and your family peace as you grieve the loss of your loved one.
I’m thinking of you during this time of profound sadness.
Sent with love and remembrance of your loved one.
My heart is with you in this time of grief and sorrow.
Words cannot express our sorrow.
Short and Sweet Sympathy Messages
My condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy.
Thinking of you.
Sending love from us.
You’re in my prayers.
Sending heartfelt condolences.
Celebrating the life of [name].
A beautiful flower has bloomed in memory of [name].
With love and remembrance of your loved one.
Thinking of you in this moment of pain.
[name] has transcended like an angel.
Forever remembered and forever missed.
Loss of Parent Condolence Messages
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother/father. May you be blessed with comfort during this difficult time.
You mother/father will live forever in our memories that I will forever cherish. You are in our prayers.
[Name] was a father/mother to many beyond their own children. They provided support, love and guidance to everyone around them and may they be blessed with peace now.
I have fond memories of your mother/father that were filled with joy and laughter. We will keep her/his sweet spirit alive and in our hearts.
A loving mother/father to us all has left however their spirit stays with us. May you find peace and comfort knowing this during this difficult time.
The pain of losing a parent never goes away but as time goes on, I hope your heart gets less and less heavy with grief.
Loss of Spouse Condolence Messages
I had the honour of knowing your husband/wife and he/she inspired all of us to live our lives to the fullest.
We hoped your husband/wife could stay with us for a little longer but heaven opened their gates for [name].
This news fills us with sadness as we have very fond memories of your husband/wife. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies.
The two of you shared an incredible life together. Let the memory of [name] live through you and your children forever.
What a privilege it was to know your husband/wife. May [name] rest in peace now.
We are not mourning the loss of your husband/wife but celebrating the great life they led.
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband/wife.
Sympathy Messages for Pet Owners
Sorry for your loss! Paw prints stay in our hearts forever.
He/she wasn’t just a dog, they were family.
No matter how long we have with them, it’s never enough.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your furry friend.
Pets hold special places in our heart. I’m sorry for the loss of yours.
A loyal companion and best friend. May their memories bring you comfort in this time of loss.
Bible Sympathy Verses for Cards
In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. Titus 1:2
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so,I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2
In the sight of the LORD, the death of his faithful ones is valued. Psalm 116:15
And God shall wipe away tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21.4
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. Thessalonians 2:16-17
How Thankbox Can Help Make It a Little Easier
Supporting someone while they’re grieving can take a village which is why our online sympathy cards can be personalised with the bereaved person in mind.
If there’s a group of you who want to share your support, you can create a Thankbox containing all your condolence messages in one, online card.
That way, everyone can contribute and offer their kind words to help your colleague, friend, or classmate through this tough time.
It's FREE to create your sympathy card
Let someone know they are in everyone's thoughts. A Thankbox is the best way for your group to share its condolences. It's free to create (pay only when you send) and takes seconds to invite everyone to share their heartfelt support.
Photo by Zoran Kokanovic on Unsplash
