Granddaughter backs hospice rose campaign in memory of her grandad

Pippa Johnson with her stepgrandfather

Pippa Johnson is backing the Rose to Remember appeal at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice following the care given to Wade Stevens last spring. The campaign invites people to honour loved ones by purchasing a handcrafted metal rose with a personalised dedication.

Each rose costs £20, with the option of postage for £7.50. Roses can be collected from the hospice or displayed at a remembrance event before collection. The event is due to take place in the hospice gardens between 11.30am and 2pm on Sunday June 28.

Funds raised contribute towards palliative and end of life care services across Oldham and surrounding areas. The campaign raised more than £15000 in 2025.

This year’s roses are lilac in colour, chosen to represent remembrance and renewal. The colour also holds personal significance for Pippa.

Her mother Laura Johnson said Pippa wanted to take part after seeing the care her grandad received. She said “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 before receiving support from the hospice inpatient unit and later from the Hospice at Home team.

Laura Johnson said “The team treated him with such kindness and dignity in his own home, right until he passed.”

She added that the support helped ease the pressure on the family during his final weeks. “They took away the burden of Mum caring for him and gave him his wife back for those last few weeks.”

Pippa spent time at the hospice during visits and engaged with staff who provided activities and support. Her mother said she found the environment more comforting than hospital settings.

Laura Johnson said “People should support Rose to Remember because every single rose purchased can contribute towards giving families like ours the same care that we received.”

Roses can be ordered online, by telephone or in person at the hospice. Visitors to the event can also book afternoon tea at the on site cafe. Donations of £30 or more include a commemorative badge.