In October 2023 APF launched its Forever Rose, a beautiful, long-stemmed rose in purple made from recycled aluminium cans.
One year later, the Forever Rose has proved to be a great success. Over 400 have been sold, with all profits going to support people in our community affected by pulmonary fibrosis. In the first month alone, 175 purple roses were sold. A Christmas rose came next, followed by a red rose for Valentine’s Day. As a result of feedback from our community, primarily via social media, a Mother’s Day pink and a Father’s Day blue rose were available for a limited period.
When thinking about what the charity would like to offer our supporters to remember their loved ones lost to pulmonary fibrosis, it was important that it was something not only beautiful but sustainable and environmentally friendly too.
We were fortunate to find Chris, who runs a small business in Cornwall, that he began in 2018 as a hobby. He discovered he could make roses out of recycled aluminium taken from empty drinks cans. These are all collected locally, often from beaches, and not only does this reduce landfill but also saves then being washed out to sea!
Today Chris has a shop on his local high street, with space out the back to make, spray paint and package the roses, which have been shipped all over the world. A special edition Cornish tartan rose was gifted to Prince William, Duke of Cornwall, when he visited the county earlier this year.
To date the business has recycled over 120,000 cans, producing thousands of roses. Whether indoors or outdoors, the roses are a great memorial as they don’t rust and are reasonably weatherproof.
The partnership with APF has been mutually rewarding. Chris says:
I love talking about what we do. It is so nice to hear people’s feedback and appreciation of our recycling efforts
He also tells us:
It is incredibly satisfying and rewarding working with a charity like APF and offering something special as a lasting memory
Launching something new
APF is delighted to launch two new remembrance rose creations, offering beautiful lasting memories of those people loved and lost to pulmonary fibrosis.
These 3, 5 or 7 rose memorial bouquets include a free-standing pot that allows this beautiful display of forever roses to be placed on a grave or outdoor memorial, or alternatively as a keepsake for any chosen location.
In addition, we have created a smaller version of the same metal rose, designed to be worn at a funeral or celebration of life. Again, a forever keepsake
For more details, prices and to order please click here.
All proceeds from the sale of our roses go towards supporting people in our community affected by pulmonary fibrosis