A SEA of lilac roses transformed the gardens of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and helped raise more than £25,000 for patient care thanks to community support.
A crowd of hundreds gathered at the facility in Royton to honour their loved ones for the Rose to Remember event.
The annual campaign unites supporters from across Oldham and beyond to dedicate a bespoke metal rose in memory of those they have loved and lost.
More than 1,400 people dedicated, donated or attended the event, raising the large sum for the hospice and support its vital end-of-life and palliative care in the local community.
Adele Doherty, chief executive of Dr Kershaw’s, said: “Dr Kershaw’s has been part of this community for more than three decades.
“In that time, we have walked alongside thousands of families during some of life’s most tender and challenging moments. We see courage, tenderness, humour, and love in its purest form.
“We know that when someone dies, their story doesn’t end: it lives on in the people who cared for them, laughed with them, and held them close. Our Rose to Remember service is a way to honour these stories.
“Each rose is a reminder that every life leaves a mark, and every person we care for remains a part of our hospice family.”
The celebrant service was opened by the former managing editor of the Oldham Chronicle, David Whaley and guests enjoyed live performances from Laura Mac and Failsworth Community Pop Choir.
During the event, guests explored the dementia-friendly gardens and found their roses, which were personalised with a handwritten leaf with the name of their loved one.
Afternoon tea was provided by the hospice’s inhouse Café K, and guests could browse a selection of stalls, including Kershaw’s Krafties.
For the first time, visitors could also see inside the new state-of-the-art Roger Tanner Building, the newest addition to the recently landscaped gardens which will house a range of wellbeing services, training and community events.
Also in attendance at Rose to Remember was the newly appointed Youth Mayor of Oldham, Hassan Ali Jabbar, who praised the ‘incredible work’ of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.
Adele Buckley, events and community fundraiser at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, added: “Everyone who took part has made such a difference for patients and their families.
“By dedicating a rose, people are creating a lasting, meaningful tribute to someone who has shaped their life.
“Thank you so much to all of our guests, performers, volunteers and local businesses – including NatWest, Crane Payment Innovations and Co-op. With your help, we can protect hospice care for future generations.”
Rose to Remember is just one of the events Dr Kershaw’s Hospice holds throughout the year to raise much-needed funds.
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice provides free, specialist, end-of-lifeand palliative care for adults with life-limiting illnesses in Oldham and its surrounding areas in a peaceful and homely environment. Find out more on their website:
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