Rose campaign to remember Saffie Roussos

A family who lost their daughter in the Manchester bomb are fund-raising to create a rose in her memory.
Saffie RoussosSaffie Roussos
Saffie Roussos

Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, of Leyland, was the youngest person killed when a device exploded at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena in May last year. Her family has approached the Royal Horticultural Society to ask if they can help to create a new flower in the youngster’s memory.The rose would then be sold at garden centres and shops, to raise money for charity - with the family looking into whether a foundation can be set up in Saffie’s name.First, the family needs to raise £10,000 towards the cost of developing the new blooms.Saffie’s mum Lisa, who was herself badly injured in the blast, has set up a JustGiving page to set the ball rolling.The fund has already collected more than £1,000 within days of its launch.Family friend Mike Swanson said a rose would be a perfect tribute to the bubbly little girl.He said: “It would be a unique rose - Saffie’s rose.“To produce a (new) rose is about £10,000 for the costs of cultivating it.“It would then be sold in garden centres and supermarkets with the proceeds of the flower sales going to charity.“Saffie’s parents Lisa and Andrew want the community to be part of it. We can say we did it as Leyland.”On the crowdfunding page, Lisa posted: “The events of the May 22 were truly felt by the public and their love, generosity and continued support is overwhelming, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This is a personal goal for me in memory of my precious little girl. A beautiful rose, just like her to live on forever.”

To donate to Saffie’s campaign, log on to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/saffiesrose