Steve remembers sister Debby with a Rose to Remember

Steve and his family are encouraging the community to support Dr Kershaw’s Rose to Remember project after the Hospice cared for his sister, Debby, last year.

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has launched Rose to Remember, allowing the community to dedicate a beautiful pink metal rose to their loved ones. Their dedication will enable more patients and their families to receive specialist care and support from the Hospice.

Steve Gallagher has been supporting Dr Kershaw’s since his sister Debby received care at the Hospice before she sadly passed away on April 13, last year. To show his support, Steve asked friends and family to join him on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge last Summer, raising money for Dr Kershaw's in memory of Debby. Over 40 people joined Steve to be part of ‘Debby's Heroes,’ raising an incredible £2,638.

Steve dedicated a rose to Debby last year, which meant a lot to him and his family. With the launch of Rose to Remember 2024, the family wanted to show their support for the Hospice again by dedicating three pink roses to Debby’s memory.

Steve explained, “Debby was just 57. She was married with three children: a nana to nine, two sisters, and me, her brother. Debby was my best friend, and we loved spending time together; we had such a laugh.

“In February last year, it was a huge shock when Debby was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. By the time she received her diagnosis, the cancer had already spread, and just a few short weeks later, she was receiving care at home from the Macmillan team. Debby knew about Dr Kershaw’s and wanted to go there for her last days. From the moment she arrived at the Hospice, it was like Debby had come home; she put her slippers on, felt comfortable, and was ready. Everything about the Hospice was just incredible, Debby was immaculate and so well looked after. The Hospice environment was serene; her bed was turned to look out into the beautiful gardens, and she was at peace. Debby was only in the Hospice for 36 hours, but it meant the world to us that she spent her last hours in such a wonderful place.

“Rose to Remember gives us a fond reminder of everything good and all the positives. One rose will stay with Debby at her grave, the other with my mum and the last with me. If you can support Rose to Remember and remember your loved ones, please do. Money comes and goes, but people will always remember how their loved ones were looked after. My rose supports the Hospice and future patients and keeps Debby’s memory alive.”

For the third year running, Rose to Remember also has the backing of the team at the Co-op store in Rochdale Road, Royton - who are already supporters of the work carried out at the Hospice to care for patients in the local community.

Darren Ramsden, Co-op Store Manager, said: “Co-op is committed to making a difference in the local community, and the Royton Co-op store is delighted to be once again able to support Dr Kershaw’s Rose to Remember. Dr Kershaw’s is not only close to my heart, but I know it has made a real difference to many other families in our community, too. We wish Rose to Remember every success, and we are proud to be able to once again contribute to the vital work that the Hospice provides locally.”

An exclusive viewing of the roses will take place at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice on Sunday, June 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with choir, refreshments and much more. The Hospice’s Rose to Remember Event will then include a short celebrant service in celebration of each person's loved ones. Supporters will then be able to collect their roses to take home for their own gardens.

Jill Kirkham, Community & Partnerships Lead at Dr Kershaw’s, added: “Whether remembering those you have lost or simply showing your support for our Hospice, your kindness and generosity will help to support our future patients now and in years to come, at the same time as honouring your loved one’s memory. By dedicating a rose, you will make a difference for the patients in our care. Your £10 could provide a good night’s sleep, helping towards a patient’s freshly laundered bedlinen, a £20 dedication could help a loved one left behind by providing bereavement support, and £30 could help towards the comfort of personal care in a patient’s own home.

Once a dedication has been made, the Hospice will also write your loved one/s name on a special rose card. Your personal dedication card will be displayed on the blossom tree in our Reflections Room for you to view and take away with your rose on the day.”

*To find out more or to order your Rose to Remember, visit www.drkh.org.uk/rosetoremember or contact the Hospice’s Fundraising Team on 0161 624 9984 or fundraising@drkh.org.uk

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