Over £25K raised as community embraces Dr Kershaw’s’ Rose to Remember campaign

A sea of lilac roses transformed the gardens of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice as a crowd of hundreds honoured their loved ones at its 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. 

Over 1,400 people dedicated, donated or attended the event on Sunday, June 28, raising more than £25,000 for the hospice. These funds will now support vital end-of-life and palliative care within the local community. 

Pictured above: A sea of lilac roses transformed the gardens of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Adele Doherty, CEO of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, 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. 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. 

A delicious 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 brand-new Roger Tanner Building. 

This state-of-the-art modular build is the newest addition to the recently landscaped gardens, and 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 (pictured below) who praised the ‘incredible work’ of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. 

On his Instagram, he wrote: ‘It was a beautiful reminder that even in our most difficult times, we will always have people around us to help and a community to count on.’ 

Rose to Remember is just one of the events Dr Kershaw’s Hospice holds throughout the year to raise much-needed funds. 

As a charity, Oldham’s only hospice is less than one-quarter funded by the NHS and relies on the generosity of supporters to keeps its essential services running. 

Adele Buckley, events and community fundraiser at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “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. 

“Our Rose to Remember campaign allows us to continue supporting families long after their loved one has died. 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."

To make a donation to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, visit drkh.org.uk/donate.