A rose for our little Saffie-Rose
CHARITY FLOWER TRIBUTE TO GIRL KILLED IN ARENA BOMB ATTACK
THE parents of the youngest person killed in the Manchester Arena bombing have revealed a new variety of rose cultivated in memory of their daughter.
Andrew and Lisa Roussos lost eightyear-old Saffie-Rose in the terror attack following an Ariana Grande concert on May 22 last year, in which 22 people were killed.
Mourners at Saffie’s funeral – the last of the 22 to be held – carried a single red rose in her memory.
Mr and Mrs Roussos, of Leyland in Lancashire, and their son Xander developed the rose with a specialist breeder.
And they plan to sell it to raise funds for Manchester-based bereavement charity Once Upon A Smile.
A crowdfunding campaign launched earlier this year to cover the cost of developing the rose raised £14,632.
Named Saffie’s Rose, the flower is described as a ‘lovely soft pink grandiflora, with medium-sized double flowers.’
The rose, which reaches 2-3ft, is said to be a repeat flowering variety with a light fragrance, suitable for borders and large containers.
Saffie’s Rose costs £19.50 with £4 from every sale going to Once Upon A Smile, and can be bought through the charity’s website.
Mrs Roussos, who was at the Ariana Grande concert with Saffie and her older sister, Ashlee Bromwich, and badly injured in the blast, said: “Once Upon A Smile is an amazing charity that looks after bereaved children and they have been with my son Xander from the beginning.
“I hope people enjoy Saffie’s Rose and remember that it’s in memory of my precious little girl and help us raise as much money as possible for the charity.”