22 June 2023

Hundreds of people gathered to remember their loved ones at Katharine House’s Rose to Remember initiative, which closed this week.  

Rose to Remember, a fundraising initiative run by the hospice and sponsored by Whitley Stimpson, gave people the chance to honour the life and memory of someone special by purchasing a beautiful hand-crafted metal rose. This then formed part of a temporary display at Sulgrave Manor from 5 to 18 June.  

The general public had the chance to view the stunning display for two weeks, and more than 250 people who purchased a rose were invited to attend a private viewing on Wednesday 7 June, with Katharine house staff and the 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 roses are currently being cleaned and boxed up ready for collection and post.   

Sarah Witham bought her rose for her late husband Neil ‘Wiff’ Witham.  

"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." 

Ian Parker, Director of Whitley Stimpson, who sponsored the initiative, 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."

About Katharine House Hospice

• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do or explore our services.
• If you want to take part in a fundraising events for Katharine House Hospice, visit our What's on page. 
• To receive regular news about development at the hospice and fundraising events, please sign up to our digital newsletter.