Create a Sapphire Rose and be part of Strathcarron Hospice's latest fundraising initiative

Inspired by the Fankerton hospice’s 45th anniversary, the initiative will bring people together through creativity, connection and fundraising with a lasting legacy that will continue long beyond this year’s celebrations.

At the heart of the project is a simple idea from a local community member, inspired by someone who received support from the hospice.

That idea has blossomed into a community wide initiative.

A Strathcarron spokesperson said: “A huge thank you to Fiona Boath and Sara McPhee, in memory of their friend Yvonne who was supported by the hospice.

"They have helped drive the project forward with remarkable passion and enthusiasm, demonstrating how one person’s idea can inspire a much wider community to make a difference.”

Now, thanks to the hard work of Strathcarron’s volunteers, craft packs are ready to collect from all 12 of the hospice’s charity shops.

Each free pack contains the essentials to get started, including sapphire blue wool, a crochet hook and an easy-to-follow guide.

Whether people are experienced crocheters or complete beginners, everyone is welcome to take part.

Participants simply sign up in the shop, collect their free pack and get creating, making up to 25 handmade sapphire roses, either on their own or alongside friends, family, colleagues, schools or local craft groups.

Once completed, the roses can be returned to any Strathcarron Hospice charity shop, where each rose will be sold for £3 to raise vital funds for the hospice.

But the Sapphire Rose Project is about much more than fundraising. It's an opportunity to learn a new skills, share time with others, spark conversations and create connections that can help tackle loneliness and social isolation.

Every rose will play a part in supporting the hospice’s expert care and free support for the people and families who need it.

Mags McCarthy, Chief Executive of Strathcarron Hospice, said: “What makes this project so special is that it started with one idea from someone in our community and has grown into something that can bring people together for years to come.

"I’d like to thank everyone in Killin who has championed the idea and helped make it a reality, alongside our wonderful volunteers who have worked so hard to prepare the packs for our shops.

“Our 45th anniversary is a chance to celebrate what our community has made possible over the past 45 years, but also to look ahead.

"The Sapphire Rose Project is a lovely example of how small acts, shared skills and a little creativity can make a real difference.

"Whether someone makes one rose or 25, they are helping to raise vital funds for local hospice care while creating opportunities for people to connect, learn something new and be part of something bigger.

“I hope this project continues to grow long beyond our anniversary year, bringing people together across our communities and reminding us that, when we come together, we can make a lasting difference to local people and families who need our care.”

The sapphire blue rose reflects Strathcarron’s 45th anniversary and represents the compassion, hope and community spirit at the heart of the Hospice.

The ambition is for thousands of roses to bloom across the local area, with the project continuing into 2027 and beyond to create a lasting reminder of what people can achieve when they come together for something that matters.