Project Rose Celebration

Broadcasting legend Fred Dinenage sends his congratulations to Project Rose fund-raisers

ITV news presenter Fred Dinenage has paid a personal tribute to teenager Lizze McLean and her army of fellow Fixers who have raised thousands of pounds for cancer research with their project.

He sent a special message praising Lizze’s vision and hard efforts which was played at a celebration to mark the success of Project Rose. He said: “When we first broadcast the ITV Fixers film about Lizze and her mum, I was very, very moved.

“Whenever illness touches us, or indeed our families, we all intend to do something to beat it but few of us ever do.  Lizze has done so and in spectacular style. She is an inspiration to us all.”

Year 10 student Lizze started selling roses for Valentine’s Day at Kings School in Winchester two years ago after her mum Victoria was diagnosed with breast cancer. This year, she became an ITV Fixer which allowed her to shape, publicise and expand her campaign into 9 other Hampshire schools.

Project Rose proved to be huge success with love-struck teenagers across the county. So far they’ve  raised more than £4,000, with donations still coming in.

A special celebration ceremony was held at The Tower Arts Centre in Winchester to thank all those involved in the project. Among those present were the 23 Fixers from 10 schools, Lizze’s mum, who is making a good recovery from breast cancer, Tracey Taylor from John Lewis, which donated all the roses, and Sally Huggins from Cancer Research UK.

All the Fixers received a Project Rose certificate, presented by ITV Fixers’ Alison Pope to mark their efforts.  Said Alison: “Lizze’s project has now come to a successful end. However, we are now working with her to take it forward and make it even bigger in future years.”