04/07/2026
Happy 18th Birthday, Saffie-Rose Roussos. Forever in our Leyland hearts. ❤️
Today, the 4th of July, is a deeply special day for my family. My daughter Lily and I will be raising a glass with a chippy tea outside the chip shop on Hough Lane, toasting to the air in loving memory of Saffie and all those we’ve lost.
Last year we chose to gently lay some of the heavier memories to rest.
This year, we want to transform the future 4th of Julys into something positive — a day of hope, connection, and joyful new memories for our children in the leyland community.
This Date wont be just about Saffie. Saffie is my why — mine, my family’s, and our friends who remember her. this would be the reason for our contribution to this idea. But we want this to be about you and your loved ones too. Most of all our community Every sister, mother, father, brother, aunty, uncle, son or daughter who is no longer with us matters. Their birthdays, their memories, their spirits — they all deserve to mean something.
We don’t need to mention every name publicly. We just need to do something positive that honours them all — a way for us as Leylanders to keep respecting each other, carrying their memories forward through kindness and community action, make new fun memories for the future generations to come.
In these challenging times, the cost of living continues to rise, many children are feeling increasingly isolated, mental health struggles are affecting so many families, and loneliness is quietly taking its toll through all ages. Local businesses are suffering, and we’re losing those everyday connections that once made our town feel so strong. Yet through it all, Leyland’s community spirit has shone bright when it matters most. I see this on other local Facebook groups, leyland memories , the layland hub etc.
some recent examples:
* My dog escaped the other day, a neighbour had seen her on Leyland Hub, I got her back before I even knew she was gone.
* When a little girl lost her birthday money, this week you the community rallied and replaced it within hours on some go fund me page.
* We lost that poor lad Jamie recently, hundreds of our community turned out to search within hours of his mother’s post — the love and support shown to his family was truly humbling. The result shattered my heart and I know it did yours, the community
This is who we are. This Community is still Amazing
So here’s our vision: On or around the 4th of July, let’s organise a proper old-school community day trip for ALL children aged 1–16 and their families.
* Leyland Kids go free , a little pocket money for the day out
* Parents donate what/if they can (no pressure — every contribution counts)
* Everything — ideas, funding, and organisation — driven by the community, for the community
* Local businesses offering discounted breakfast pick-up points around Leyland (8–9am)
* Local transport to and from the destination
* Discounted or donated tea on return
We’ve shown before what’s possible. Seven years ago, when “Party in the Park” at Worden Park couldn’t get the permit, 25 pubs and clubs across South Ribble stepped up and hosted their own parties. That’s the power of Leyland when we unite.
We’d warmly welcome the full support of the council and Leyland Town Team, but above all we need you — the passionate, determined people of this town.
Whether you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one, you’re a mental health mentor, someone who needs support, or simply someone who believes in bringing people back together — your voice, your ideas, and your help are wanted and valued.
Together, we can make the 4th of July a day that heals, connects, and reminds everyone what Leyland is truly made of. A day that honours every name quietly carried in our hearts by doing something meaningful for our children and each other.
This would take a lot to work properly , and would need a lot of people to help make this happen
If you want to get involved or could help put this together— with ideas, organisation, Your Business, sponsorship, transport, venues, , or anything else — please comment below, message me, or share this post far and wide.
The more of us who step forward, the stronger this will be.
Leyland at its very best. ❤️
Let’s do this — for them, for us. for the future gens !!
your friend Mike Swanny & Family
