A rose for Adam

Adam, aged 11, from Woodhouse Close, Birchwood, caught meningitis in 2003.

The Birchwood High School pupil fought the bacterial disease for six days, but died on November 13 after being transferred to Pendlebury Children’s Hospital.

Twenty per cent of the sale of each Adam’s Rose will go towards the Adam Doughty Tribute Fund, set up by Adam’s mum and dad, Alyson and Ray.

The money will then fund support and information materials, as well as services like a 24-hour nurse-led free helpline, financial support grants and counselling.

Adam’s mum, Alyson Doughty, said: “It’s something we had thought about not long after Adam had gone.

“We toyed with the idea because I have always been a keen gardener and so is my mother. We had lots of photos of Adam in my garden and his Nan’s garden and we thought a rose was perfect.

“We are absolutely chuffed with it and it is something permanent for Adam that will be here after Ray and I have gone.”

Adam’s Rose was grown by rose specialist Keith Jones at his Goldenfields Nursery in Tarvin, near the family’s new home in Northwich.

The fragrant rose produces clusters of purple-pink flowers from June to November, reaching approximately 60cms high.

Meningitis kills more children under the age of five than any other infectious disease, but it can strike at any age.

Around 3,000 cases of bacterial meningitis occur every year in the UK, with figures for viral meningitis twice that number.

Christine Hughes, Meningitis Trust community development officer, said: “The development of this rose in memory of Adam is a beautiful way to remember a special boy.”

Symptoms of meningitis can include fever - possibly with cold hands and feet, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.

For more information visit meningitis-trust.org.

Adam’s Rose can be bought at Southport Flower Show and from C&K Jones on 01829 740663 and K.Jones@btconnect.com.