THE people of Dorset were today urged to throw their weight behind a campaign to create a lasting tribute to teenage cancer victim Karina Glynn.

Karina, from Upwey, Weymouth, battled the disease for nearly two years before she finally gave up the fight in June this year aged 17.

She touched the hearts of many and was hailed as an inspiration for the way she coped despite being very ill.

Now mum Rosemary has unveiled plans for a lasting tribute - a red rose named in memory of her daughter.

Rosemary said: "Karina loved red roses so it's a very apt tribute.

"One of her requests before she died was that we should keep roses on her grave."

Rosemary contacted Paul Chessum Roses, one of the UK's leading wholesale rose growers.

She said: "Paul Chessum Roses works with a mail-order company called Love for Plants, which distributes the roses in the form of a rosebush.

"New varieties of roses are grown every year and there is an opportunity to name one of your choice for a price ranging between £750 and £2,500 depending on the variety.

"Once the name is chosen it is officially registered and added to a database."

She added: "Profits from the sale of the rose are split between the company and a charity of your choice.

"I have chosen the Claire Lemmon Fund because it is a charity which supported Karina.

"If more than 500 roses are sold the fee will be reimbursed and given to charity."

Rosemary said the idea had been well supported by Karina's dad Paul and their two other children Justin and Julian.

Getting the fundraising ball rolling is Karina's brother Justin whose band Konar-t, together with the group Freak Circus will be playing at Verdi's nightclub in Weymouth this Saturday from 8.30pm. Band members will be donating their fee to the rose fund.

On Sunday, September 7, from 11am retained firefighters from Weymouth plus other supporters will be pulling a vintage fire engine from WeymouthPavilion to the Pier Bandstand while collecting on the way.

Rosemary works as a receptionist for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and has received overwhelming support from colleagues.

She said: "Some of the lads approached me and said they wanted to help raise money for the rose fund.

"It's brilliant thing to do and I hope they receive a lot of support on the day."

Donations for the rose fund can be made to the family via the Echo.

Cash or cheques made payable to Rosemary Glynn can be sent to Karina Appeal, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD or dropped in to the Echo offices at St Thomas Street, Weymouth and Antelope Walk, Dorchester.