Sweet-smelling fundraiser for cancer charity

12:44pm Saturday 21st June 2008

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A CHARITY is hoping its latest fund raising idea will take root across the North-East.

A new scented yellow, floribunda rose called Dignity has been bred to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, whose doctors and nurses expect to provide care to around 27,000 terminally ill patients in the community and in its ten hospices this year.

Homebase stores across the region are selling the exclusive new variety given the name 'Dignity' to reflect the charity's aim to give more people the choice to die at home, allowing them dignity in death.

Lorna Liggett, Community Affairs Manager, at the home improvement retailer, said: "We decided to name the rose 'Dignity' to raise awareness of the care Marie Curie Cancer Care provides terminally ill patients in their own homes. The charity is working to ensure more people have dignity in death and as their fundraising partner we want to help them achieve this aim."

Dawn Dyne, Marie Curie Cancer Care Nurse of the Year for England, said: "Two thirds of people would want to be cared for at home if they were terminally ill, but the majority die in hospital - the place they least want to be.

"Marie Curie Nurses like me care for terminally ill patients in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own home.

"Pick up a 'Dignity' rose this summer and you'll be helping more people spend their final days where they want - at home surrounded by the people and things they love the most."

* The Dignity rose is being sold in four litre pots with bud and flower for £9.99 with £1 from the sale of each plant being donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care, helping the charity's nurses provide care for terminally ill patients. It is a repeat flowering rose with good disease resistance. It can reach a height of up to 85cm and a width of 60cm. It prefers well drained soil in full sun, and is suitable for growing in containers or the border.