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Hundreds gather for poignant display of hand-crafted roses
22/06/2023
The roses formed a temporary display at Sulgrave Manor
Hundreds of people gathered to remember a loved one at a poignant event organised by Katharine House Hospice.
Each person had purchased a hand-crafted metal rose in memory of someone. These formed a temporary display at Sulgrave Manor as part of the Hospice’s Rose to Remember initiative.
Ahead of the public being given access to the display, more than 250 people attended a special private viewing, with Katharine House’s staff and bereavement team on hand to offer support.
Each rose was crafted with care for the hospice by Black Country Metal Works and money raised from the sale of the roses went towards funding the vital care of patients and their families.
The public display ended last weekend. The roses are currently being cleaned and boxed up ready for collection or posting out.
Sarah Witham bought her Rose for her late husband Neil ‘Wiff’ Witham. She said: “When your loved one is given a terminal diagnosis it is surreal, unbelievable and you detach. We didn’t discuss how long, as that would mean we had given up, lost the fight, lost hope!
“Katharine House was the most beautiful place we could have been at the end. Neil was cared for and I was supported, we could not have asked for more. I was with Neil for 26 years when he died – the whole of my adult life. I had never experienced this kind of loss and pain. Katharine House just made it calmer; I didn’t feel alone, during Neil’s illness or afterwards. I didn’t know I needed that care or support but luckily Katharine House did.”
Whitley Stimpson sponsored the initiative. Director Ian Parker said: “We are proud to sponsor the Rose to Remember event, organised by Katharine House Hospice. We know that the hospice is close to many hearts of our staff and the Oxfordshire community. It’s a small way of giving back to this community and supporting the outstanding work done by the hospice.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam