Dr Kershaws' Rose to Remember appeal raises over £15k

Date published: 14 July 2025


Supporters from across the UK helped Dr Kershaw’s Hospice to raise over £15,000 for its Rose to Remember appeal.

At the recent event, the Mayor of Oldham praised the “fantastic” work of the hospice, which is only one-quarter funded by the NHS.

The money will now support patients and their families.

Each year, Dr Kershaw’s’ Rose to Remember appeal invites the Oldham community to celebrate their loved ones at a touching summer service.

By dedicating a rose to be planted in the hospice gardens, donors receive a special keepsake whilst helping to fund vital hospice services.

The 2025 appeal has raised over £15,000 so far, which will go towards providing inpatient and at-home care.

Hundreds of people joined together at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice for a celebrant service with readings and musical performances.

One of the speakers was the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Eddie Moores, who praised the “fantastic” work of its medical team.

The CEO of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Adele Doherty, told crowds how “incredibly touching” it was to “see so many familiar faces”.

She added: “We are honoured to have cared for many of the people we hold in our hearts today.”

The Brian Clarke Academy Choir and Dr Kershaw’s Choir sang moving renditions of popular songs.

A live violinist played during an exclusive viewing of the roses, during which visitors could explore the gardens and find their dedicated rose.

Homemade cakes were also available from the hospice’s Café K.

Alice Entwistle, fundraising events lead at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “Our beautiful new gardens were the perfect spot for our Rose to Remember event.

“As we remembered those we have loved and lost, we were able to join together with family and friends to make new memories.

“Thanks to our amazing live performers, our hospice grounds were filled with music, poetry and words of remembrance.

“Special thanks go to Cllr Eddie Moores, Brian Clarke Academy Choir, Dr Kershaw’s Choir, and the violinist Tom Shevchuk – plus all of our incredible volunteers.

“Most of all, thank you to everyone who attended or bought a rose.

“Because of you, more people will be able to access our services and receive high-quality care.”

Julie Maker, whose brother Stephen McEntee was cared for by Dr Kershaw’s, had her rose posted to her in Winchester after moving away from Oldham.

She said: “It is in between the flowers in one of my garden pots. I can see it from my window too.

“The team was so kind, caring and thoughtful and treated him with such dignity and respect.

“Stephen told me he was actually enjoying his time there – he said the nurses were fantastic and made him laugh.

“He said it was like a home from home.”

Rose to Remember is just one of the events held by Dr Kershaw’s Hospice throughout the year.

As it is only one-quarter funded by the NHS, the hospice relies on fundraising to help cover the shortfall.

In March, its CEO and director of clinical services joined hospice leaders at the Houses of Parliament to ask MPs to support reforming the funding model for hospices.

Since 2020, hospice costs in Greater Manchester have risen by 33%.

Adele Doherty, CEO of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, added: “Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is built on compassion, dignity and respect, and events like Rose to Remember enable us to continue our work within the community.

“Your continued support is at the heart of everything we do, and for this we are forever grateful.”

To see more Dr Kershaw’s Hospice events, visit: www.drkh.org.uk/events


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