Help create a rose for Saffie
THE mother of the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena bombing has launched an appeal to create a rose in her memory.
Saffie-Rose Roussos, eight, a Tarleton Community Primary School pupil, died after attending the Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena with her mum and sister on May 22.
Now her mum, Lisa, has contacted the Royal Horticultural Society about creating the “beautiful rose” to keep her memory alive.
The family has set up a “10,000 crowdfunding appeal on the JustGiving website, with plans in place to sell the roses for charity
Mourners at Saffie’s funeral carried a single red rose in her memory.
Launching the appeal, Mrs Roussos wrote on the campaign page: “I have approached the Royal Horticultural Society to ask them if they would create a rose in memory of Saffie.
“I spoke to a very lovely man who said he had hoped we would get in touch as he too feels it would be a beautiful and fitting tribute to her. The cost of this would be approximately £10,000.
“The rose could then be created and go into commerce and could potentially be bought and sold all around the world.
“The proceeds from the sales would go directly to Saffie’s charity or charities and hopefully we can get a foundation set up.
“The events of the 22nd of May was truly felt by the public and their love, generosity and continued support is overwhelming and 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.”
Saffie, who had also attended Kew Woods Primary School in Southport, was remembered as a girl with a beautiful smile who loved dancing, gymnastics and music.
According to her dad, Andrew, she dreamed of becoming famous and was a “superstar in the making”.
To donate, visit www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/saffiesrose