Pippa Johnson, a young girl from Oldham, is proudly backing the Rose to Remember campaign at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, honouring the memory of her grandad, Wade Stevens, who received compassionate and dignified care from the hospice last spring. Her involvement highlights the personal impact of the campaign and the importance of supporting local end of life care services.

The Rose to Remember campaign invites residents across Oldham and the surrounding areas to purchase a handcrafted metal rose, each with a personalised dedication, in memory of a loved one. These roses serve as a lasting tribute, with proceeds going directly to hospice services. Each rose costs £20, with an optional £7.50 postage fee for those unable to collect in person.

A special remembrance event is due to take place in the hospice gardens on Sunday, June 28, between 11.30am and 2pm. During this time, roses can be collected or displayed in the garden, offering a peaceful setting for reflection. The event also provides an opportunity for families to come together and share memories.

This year’s roses are lilac in colour, chosen to symbolise remembrance and renewal. For Pippa, this shade holds personal significance as her favourite colour, making her dedication even more meaningful. Her mother, Laura Johnson, explained, “Pippa is proud and excited to be able to dedicate a rose to her grandad in her favourite colour.”

Wade Stevens had been living with bowel cancer for several years. He received support from the hospice inpatient unit and later from the Hospice at Home team, which provided care in the comfort of his own home. Laura said, “The team treated him with such kindness and dignity in his own home, right until he passed.”

The support extended beyond medical care, easing the pressure on the family. “They took away the burden of Mum caring for him and gave him his wife back for those last few weeks,” Laura added, reflecting on the difference the hospice made during a challenging time.

Pippa herself visited the hospice and engaged with staff who provided activities and emotional support. Laura noted that the environment was more comforting than hospital settings, helping Pippa feel at ease during difficult visits.

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice provides essential palliative and end of life care services to patients from Oldham and the wider region. The Rose to Remember campaign is a key fundraising initiative, with all proceeds supporting these vital services. In 2025, the campaign raised over £15,000, demonstrating the generosity of the local community.

Laura encourages others to get involved, saying, “People should support Rose to Remember because every single rose purchased can contribute towards giving families like ours the same care that we received.” Her heartfelt appeal underscores the campaign’s importance.

Roses can be ordered online, by telephone, or in person at the hospice. For those attending the remembrance event, afternoon tea can be booked at the on-site café, offering a chance to stay and connect with others. Donations of £30 or more include a commemorative badge, providing an additional keepsake.

Supporting the Rose to Remember campaign is a simple yet powerful way to honour a loved one while ensuring that compassionate care continues for families across Oldham. Whether through purchasing a rose or making a donation, every contribution makes a difference.